UK woman faces court over eight baby deaths
A British neonatal nurse has appeared in court over charges of murdering eight babies and attempting to kill another 10 in the hospital where she worked.
Lucy Letby answered “not guilty” to eight charges of murder and 10 charges of attempted murder in a brief hearing at Manchester Crown Court, appearing via video link from prison.
The charges relate to incidents occurring between June 2015 and June 2016 at the Countess of Chester Hospital in northwest England.
Police began investigating the deaths of babies at the hospital in 2017 and arrested the 31-year-old nurse last year.
Ms Letby was previously arrested in 2018 and 2019, but was bailed twice pending further inquiries.
The identities of the children, surviving and deceased, and their parents are protected by a court order.
Ms Letby has been remanded in custody.
A judge said a trial will commence from October 2022, which is expected to last up to six months.
Image: Chester Standard / SWNS.com