The Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC), which examines potential wrongful convictions, is currently considering a submission made on behalf of former neonatal nurse Lucy Letby. The review follows claims from an international group of medical experts who argue that some of the infant collapses and deaths previously linked to Letby may have had alternative explanations, including failures in medical care and natural causes. However, prosecutors have maintained that there is currently insufficient evidence to bring additional criminal charges against her.

The latest development comes after families of six babies allegedly harmed during Letby’s time working at the Countess of Chester Hospital and Liverpool Women’s Hospital challenged the decision not to prosecute her over further suspected offences. The allegations related to nine children in total, including two babies who died and others who suffered serious collapses. After reviewing the available evidence, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) decided in January 2026 that the legal threshold required for additional charges had not been met.

Following that decision, six families requested a formal review through the Victims’ Right to Review scheme, asking the CPS to reconsider whether further action should be taken. The review was conducted by an independent prosecutor who was not involved in the original decision-making process. After examining extensive evidence and case materials, the CPS confirmed that the original decision would remain unchanged.

Malcolm McHaffie, head of the CPS special crime division, stated that the review involved a detailed reassessment of the evidence provided by Cheshire Constabulary. He explained that six potential offences of attempted murder involving six infants had been reconsidered, but investigators concluded that the available evidence still did not meet the standard required to bring new criminal proceedings against Letby.

The CPS has informed the affected families of the outcome and offered meetings to address their questions and concerns. Authorities also expressed sympathy for the families involved, acknowledging the emotional impact of the long-running case and the continued uncertainty surrounding the events.

Lucy Letby, 36, from Hereford, is currently serving 15 whole-life sentences after being convicted of murdering seven babies and attempting to murder seven others while working at the neonatal unit at the Countess of Chester Hospital between June 2015 and June 2016. She has consistently denied wrongdoing and has continued to challenge the convictions.

Her legal team has argued that the original case should be reconsidered, pointing to concerns raised by medical specialists who question whether some of the deaths and collapses were correctly interpreted. The international panel of doctors supporting Letby’s case has suggested that several incidents may have been linked to medical complications, poor clinical decisions, or underlying health conditions rather than deliberate harm.

These claims have attracted renewed attention because the case has become one of the most controversial criminal investigations in recent British history. Supporters of Letby argue that important medical evidence may not have been fully considered during the original trial, while prosecutors and the families of the victims maintain that the convictions were based on a substantial body of evidence.

The Criminal Cases Review Commission is now examining the material submitted on Letby’s behalf to determine whether there may be grounds for referring the case back to the courts. The CCRC has the authority to investigate potential miscarriages of justice and can refer cases for appeal if it identifies new evidence or exceptional circumstances that could have affected the outcome.

Meanwhile, a major public inquiry led by Lady Justice Thirlwall is also investigating the circumstances surrounding the case, including how Letby was able to continue working in the neonatal unit despite concerns being raised about a pattern of infant deaths and collapses. The inquiry is expected to publish its findings later in 2026, with the exact publication date yet to be confirmed.

The ongoing reviews have placed renewed focus on the complex questions surrounding the evidence, hospital procedures, and decision-making processes that shaped the original investigation. While the CPS has rejected further charges at this stage, the separate review by the CCRC means the wider debate over the reliability of the evidence and the possibility of a miscarriage of justice remains unresolved.

As experts, legal representatives, and investigators continue examining the available information, the Lucy Letby case remains under intense public and professional scrutiny. The final conclusions from the CCRC and the Thirlwall Inquiry could play a significant role in determining whether the current understanding of the case remains unchanged or whether new findings will lead to further legal developments.