Baby killer Letby under protection after prison taunts

Experts present new evidence questioning Lucy Letby's conviction at a London press conference (Illustrative image) (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images) Getty Images

Lucy Letby is under round-the-clock protection at HMP Bronzefield after fellow prisoners taunted her over media coverage of her case. Staff must now check on the disgraced former nurse every 15 minutes to ensure she hasn't been attacked or attempted self-harm.

The 35-year-old is serving 15 whole life sentences for murdering seven babies and attempting to murder eight more at Countess of Chester Hospital. She is housed at the Surrey prison alongside the nation's most dangerous female criminals.

The new measures are in place because of an Assessment, Care in Custody and Teamwork (ACCT) order. Prison sources report that Letby has been "mercilessly mocked" about documentaries made about her case, with concerns the verbal attacks could escalate to physical violence.

Delusional hopes for freedom

Letby has become "deluded" and believes she will be released soon due to ongoing appeals questioning her guilt. The publicity surrounding her case appears to have "gone to her head," with prison staff needing to manage her unrealistic expectations about potential freedom.

The multiple murderer has reportedly complained to fellow inmates about wasting away in the "prime of her life" behind bars. Despite being convicted in two separate trials and twice denied leave to appeal, she appears to hold onto hope of release.

She has been assigned routine prison tasks including making breakfast toast for other inmates and doing laundry. An inmate revealed Letby is worried about how long the legal process is taking while her life passes by.

Legal challenge continues

Barrister Mark McDonald is leading Letby's appeal efforts and has submitted new evidence to the Criminal Cases Review Commission. A panel of 14 international neonatal and paediatric experts has been assembled to review the medical evidence from her trials.

According to Birmingham Mail, McDonald speaks to Letby at least once every two weeks and visits monthly, even working on her case while on holiday. The lawyer's dedication highlights the ongoing legal battle despite multiple failed appeal attempts.

However, The i reports that a BBC documentary revealed disagreements among McDonald's expert panel members about the evidence. The divisions within the review team suggest the appeals process faces significant challenges moving forward.

Sources used: "Daily Star", "Birmingham Mail", "The i" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.