Letby was additionally discovered responsible of murdering a child referred to in court docket as Child C.
Key to the case was an X-ray taken on 12 June – it was referred to repeatedly through the first trial. In pre-trial experiences two prosecution witnesses mentioned it confirmed the newborn had a swollen abdomen “more than likely resulting from deliberate” pumping of air into his feeding tube.
Nonetheless, neonatologist Dr Michael Corridor – who has spoken publicly about his issues earlier than, and has written to the chair of the general public inquiry – instructed the BBC: “There are a selection of attainable explanations for there being extra fuel there.”
Dr Corridor, who was consulted by the defence however by no means known as to provide proof, mentioned it’s more likely to have been brought on by the respiratory help the newborn was receiving and mentioned the X-ray advised there was a bowel obstruction.
Letby was not engaged on the day the X-ray was taken and had not been on shift since earlier than the newborn was born – data the jury heard in her first trial. Letby’s former barrister Ben Myers additionally highlighted these particulars in his closing argument.
In his summing up the choose made clear to the jury this X-ray had been taken the day earlier than Child C collapsed, although he didn’t remind them Letby hadn’t been on shift. At enchantment, the prosecution mentioned Letby might have visited the hospital whereas off shift, however didn’t put ahead any proof that she was there.
The BBC has additionally spoken to 5 senior clinicians who reviewed Child C’s medical notes made public at trial – though just one had entry to the newborn’s full medical historical past. All of them famous the newborn was excessive threat and may have been in a better degree unit.
Prof Colin Morley, a retired professor of neonatology from the College of Cambridge, instructed File on 4 he was “very assured” Child C died of pure causes.
On the trial, the X-ray was not the one proof used to convict Letby on this cost. The prosecution argued textual content messages confirmed she was determined to get into the room the place Child C was being handled, despite the fact that she wasn’t his designated nurse. One other nurse mentioned she discovered Letby standing over the newborn’s cot when he collapsed. After he died, Letby once more looked for his mother and father on Fb.
