A nurse accused of murdering eight babies and trying to kill 10 more has had a verdict of not guilty on one of the charges. Lucy Letby, 32, appeared in Manchester Crown Court today.
Nick Johnson QC said prosecutors did not offer evidence on any of the murder charges. Judge Goss formally ordered a verdict of not guilty on the charge. Letby has pleaded not guilty to all other charges.
He denies the murder of five boys and two girls and the attempted murder of five boys and five girls, all between June 2015 and June 2016 while working in the neonatal unit of Chester County Hospital, Chester.
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Letby appeared in court today via a video link from HMP Bronzefield, speaking only to confirm his name during the 80-minute hearing that dealt with pre-trial issues that cannot be reported. About a dozen parents of the children involved sat in the public gallery watching the events.
A court order prohibits reporting the identities of surviving and dead children allegedly attacked by Letby, and prohibits identifying parents or witnesses related to the children.
The defendant, from Arran Avenue, Hereford, was arrested for appearing for a new pre-trial hearing on July 29. His trial, which is estimated to last up to six months at Manchester Crown Court, is set to begin on 4 October.
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