Key Lucy Letby retrial bid witness Dr Evans hits back at lawyer over 'unsubstantiated' claims
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A doctor at the centre of Lucy Letby's bid for a retrial has furiously hit back at "unsubstantiated" claims made by her defence lawyer. Retired consultant paediatrician Dr Dewi Evans denied the version of events given by Letby's barrister Mark McDonald. Mr McDonald called a press conference on Monday to say that Dr Evans had changed his mind about how three babies had died.
Mr McDonald was immediately seeking permission from the Court of Appeal to re-examine her case, describing Dr Evans as an unreliable expert. He said that meant the former nurse's convictions for murder and attempted murder were unsafe. But Dr Evans said: "Mr Mark McDonald's observations regarding my evidence is unsubstantiated, unfounded, inaccurate. His method of presenting his information reflects clear prejudice and bias. I find his style most unedifying, most unprofessional. It's highly disrespectful to the families of babies murdered and harmed by Lucy Letby.".
Letby, 34, from Hereford, is serving 15 whole-life orders after she was convicted at Manchester Crown Court of murdering seven infants and attempting to murder seven others, with two attempts on one of her victims, between June 2015 and June 2016. Dr Evans said he could not recall a senior barrister advocating on behalf of a client at a press conference, "especially a case of such sensitivity".
He added: "The only place appropriate to deal with any potential appeal is the relevant court. If required I would be pleased to give evidence in the usual way; on oath, subject to cross examination and where my evidence is placed in the public domain. I would expect any other participant to agree to the same principles.".
