Lucy Letby’s infamous notes, which included the chilling admission ‘I am evil I did this’, were reportedly prompted by a therapist.
The notes were then used to help secure her conviction for the murder of seven infants as the prosecution in her trial argued that these written words amounted to a confession.
But reports suggest that they were intended as part of a therapeutic method where Letby was encouraged to jot down her disturbing thoughts and emotions.
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Insiders have informed the Guardian that Kathryn de Beger, head of occupational health and wellbeing at the Countess of Chester hospital, had prompted Letby to document her feelings to manage severe stress.
(Image: PA)
These informants also allege that Letby’s GP in Chester recommended she write out thoughts she found difficult to articulate, reports the Mirror.
Scrawled on sticky notes and a ripped piece of paper, with some parts overwritten, the writings also contained the word “hate” and the stark confession: “I killed them on purpose because I am not good enough to care for them and I am a horrible evil person”.
The prosecution leveraged these notes to fortify their case against Letby, concluding their opening statement by spotlighting the phrase: “I am evil I did this.”
Last August saw Letby convicted for the murder of seven babies and the attempted murder of six more. In a subsequent retrial concluded in July, she faced conviction for attempting to murder an additional child.
(Image: PA)
Throughout the trial, jurors were repeatedly asked to take the defendant’s cryptic scrawls at face value. The notes, which some have interpreted as admission of guilt, spoke of suicidal intent with phrases such as “Kill myself right now”, “help”, “despair panic fear lost”, and “I feel very alone and scared”.
Additionally, in these personal writings, Letby scribbled sentiments like “Not good enough”, “Why me? “, “I haven’t done anything wrong”, “Police investigation slander discrimination victimisation”. Doubts over Letby’s conviction have been escalating, prompting scrutiny from various professionals regarding its credibility.
These unfolding developments coincide with a public inquiry poised to commence evidence hearings next week. There have been appeals for the government to delay or modify the inquiry’s terms amidst concerns, including issues related to evidence shown during the trial.
If you have been affected by this story, advice and support can be found at Sands (stillbirth and neonatal death charity). You can call them on 0808 164 3332 or email helpline@sands.org.uk.