Top neonatologists challenge Lucy Letby's conviction as key witness's past errors resurface

A group of 14 leading neonatology doctors has now cast serious doubt on the Lucy Letby conviction. Their review found no evidence of murders in the case where the former nurse was jailed for killing seven babies. Meanwhile, questions about the reliability of a key prosecution witness, Dr Dewi Evans, have resurfaced after a past misdiagnosis nearly cost a child his life.

In 2008, eight-year-old Jared Llewellyn suffered from severe symptoms, including uncontrollable vomiting and a rigid neck—clear signs of raised pressure in the brain. His parents, Andrew and Donna Llewellyn, took him to Dr Dewi Evans, who dismissed the condition as 'behavioural' and even suggested bulimia. Despite their concerns, Evans ordered a gut examination rather than a brain scan.

The Llewellyns refused to accept the diagnosis and sought a second opinion. A different paediatrician immediately requested a CT scan, which revealed a large brain tumour. Jared underwent a gruelling 12-hour operation followed by six weeks of daily radiotherapy. His parents later stated that had they followed Evans' advice, their son would have died.

Years later, Dr Evans became the chief expert witness in the Lucy Letby trial, providing critical evidence that led to her conviction. However, Appeal Court Judge Lord Justice Jackson previously described one of Evans' reports in an unrelated case as 'worthless'. Now, with 14 top neonatologists—led by Professor Shoo Lee—concluding there were no murders in the Letby case, doubts about Evans' testimony have grown. The Llewellyn family has even offered to testify about their son's misdiagnosis if Letby faces a retrial.

The Letby conviction now hinges on mounting concerns over the prosecution's case. Experts highlight contradictions in Dr Evans' evidence, while his past errors raise further questions about his credibility. If a retrial proceeds, the Llewellyns' account of their son's near-fatal misdiagnosis could play a pivotal role.