Lucy Letby: The Shadow of a Doubt?
The case of Lucy Letby generated shock, revulsion and bewilderment, casting a long shadow over the trust that we place in those who care for the most vulnerable.
In the latest episode of Double Jeopardy, Ken and Tim discuss one of the most controversial cases in British legal history—the conviction of Lucy Letby, the neonatal nurse sentenced to 15 whole-life sentences for the murder of seven infants and the attempted murder of eight others.
Ken and Tim explore the widespread media coverage and the intense public reaction to Letby’s case, including the growing number of conspiracy theories that have emerged on the internet as well as more serious articles in reputable media outlets. They critically examine the arguments put forth by those questioning her conviction and discuss the Court of Appeal's comprehensive rejection of her application for leave to appeal and the refusal to admit fresh expert evidence.
They emphasise that any discussion about a miscarriage of justice must start with an understanding of the basis for the Court of Appeal’s rejection of Lucy Letby’s appeal. The episode also touches on the upcoming public inquiry to be Chaired by Lady Justice Thirlwall (which will investigate events at the Countess of Chester hospital and whether the management structure at the hospital contributed to the failure to protect babies from Letby’s actions) and whether the public inquiry has the potential to generate new evidence that may form the basis for a second appeal following a referral by the Criminal Cases Review Commission.
Tim and Ken aim to shed light on the complexity of the case and are critical of those who have questioned Letby’s guilt without understanding the details of the case and the dynamics of a criminal trial. They stress the importance of basing any claims of a miscarriage of justice on a thorough understanding of the evidence, the legal processes involved and especially the details of the 58 page Judgment of the Court of Appeal handed down on 2nd July 2024.
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Double Jeopardy - UK Law and Politics
Covering the critical intersections of law and politics in the UK with expert commentary on high-profile legal cases, political controversies, prisons and sentencing, human rights law, current political events and the shifting landscape of justice and democracy. With in-depth discussions and influential guests, Double Jeopardy is the podcast that uncovers the forces shaping Britain’s legal and political present and future.
What happens when law and politics collide?
How do politics shape the law - and when does the law push back?
What happens when judicial independence is tested, human rights come under attack, or freedom of expression is challenged?
And who really holds power in Britain’s legal and political system?
Get answers to questions like these weekly on Wednesdays. Double Jeopardy is presented by Ken Macdonald KC, former Director of Public Prosecutions, and Tim Owen KC, as they break down the legal and political issues in Britain. From high-profile legal cases to the evolving state of British democracy, Double Jeopardy offers expert legal commentary on the most pressing topics in UK law, politics, human rights and the British Constitution.
Ken Macdonald KC served as Director of Public Prosecutions from 2003-2008, shaping modern prosecutorial policy and advocating for the rule of law. He is a former Warden of Wadham College, Oxford, and a leading voice on civil liberties.
Tim Owen KC has been involved in many of the most significant public, criminal and human rights law cases over the past four decades. Both bring unparalleled experience from the frontline of Britain's legal and political landscape.
Episode topics have included:
How UK politics is shaping the legal system and British politics explained – from judicial review of government decisions to the erosion of civil liberties.
The toxic confrontation between gender critical feminists and trans activists over what defines a woman in law.
The extent to which special measures intended to support vulnerable witnesses are making it harder to prosecute rape and other serious sexual offences.
Inside the most controversial legal cases – including human rights battles over immigration law, terrorism and national security, the Assisted Dying Bill and the gross miscarriage of justice in the Andrew Malkinson case.
Britain’s never ending criminal justice crisis – from overfilled prisons to policing policies that test the rule of law, threats to jury trial and the massive backlog of Crown Court cases.
Lucy Letby’s convictions, the media’s role, the Court of Appeal’s detailed rejection of her appeal and the fresh evidence which may demonstrate fundamental problems with the safety of the convictions.
Episodes feature discussions with the most influential voices in law, politics, and justice, including:
Professor Kathleen Stock – leading gender critical feminist and Professor of Philosophy hounded out of her job at Sussex University discusses science, gender and the importance of free speech.
Joshua Rozenberg - Legal commentator and broadcaster reviewed major legal and political developments, including judicial independence, rule of law, and shifts in UK legal norms.
Baroness Brenda Hale – Former President of the Supreme Court discuss human rights, politicians and populist attacks on the judiciary.
Danny Shaw - Former BBC Home Affairs Correspondent explored the government’s Crime and Policing Bill, political motives behind law-and-order messaging, and public trust in the justice system.
Melanie Phillips – Times columnist and public commentator discussed the developing constitutional crisis in Israel arising from the Netenyahu government’s plans to trim the powers and role of Israel’s Supreme Court.
If you like The Rest Is Politics, Talking Politics, Law Pod UK and Today in Focus, you’ll enjoy Double Jeopardy.
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