Baby killer Lucy Letby's 'cushy life' in private jail 'no different from hotel'

28 January 2024 , 09:59

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Baby nurse murdered seven newborns (Image: Chester Standard / SWNS.com)

Baby killer Lucy Letby has been given a key to her own cell in a move that has infuriated her victims’ families.

It comes just five months after the nurse got a whole life sentence without parole for murdering seven newborns and trying to kill six more. The perk means Letby can hide from other lags whenever she wants and lock herself in if she feels threatened. It is understood to be given to convicts as an incentive for good behaviour.

One grieving parent told us: “We thought they were throwing away the key, and now we find out that she has her own key.” And a prison insider said: “It means if she wants to socialise she can, and if she wants privacy she can have that too. It’s really no different to living in a hotel – but you’re surrounded by ­criminals.”

Letby, 34, now enjoys the VIP treatment at privately owned category A HMP Bronzefield after being moved from Low Newton jail in Co Durham. The Surrey women’s prison has rooms instead of cells – fitted with an en suite shower, desk, phone and television.

In October it was revealed Letby had ganged up with Welsh baby killer Michelle Smith, who poisoned her daughter in 2007, and Shauna Hoare who helped her boyfriend kill 16-year-old Bristol schoolgirl Becky Watts in 2015. A Bronzefield source said the trio spent “hours playing board games” and enjoying karaoke nights.

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Neonatal nurse Letby carried out her murders at the Countess of Chester Hospital. During a 10-month trial, Manchester Crown Court heard how Letby had written notes saying “I am evil I did this” and “I killed them on purpose because I am not good enough”.

Serial killer Letby in handcuffs (PA)

The jury failed to reach a verdict on six counts of attempted murder, and she faces a retrial over the near death of one baby.

In September it emerged Letby had launched an appeal against all her convictions. Labour’s City of Chester MP Samantha Dixon yesterday hit out at Bronzefield Prison bosses over the decision to give the killer her own key.

She said: “Those charged with her imprisonment need to explain why they feel she can be trusted with a key to her own cell. It doesn’t feel right or fair.”

HMP Bronzefield in Ashford, Surrey (PA)

A public inquiry into her offences was formally launched in November, and hearings could get under way in autumn. When approached about Letby’s key, an HMP Bronzefield spokesman said: “Prisoners in some of our main units have a privacy key to the cell they reside in, so they are able to secure their personal belongings.”

Saskia Rowlands