The Lucy Letby inquiry will examine matters of “profound importance” and should be broadcast live to the public, a senior judge has ruled.
Lady Justice Thirlwall said “the fundamental principle” was in favour of open justice and televised hearings would help inform public understanding.
Letby, 34, was sentenced to 14 whole-life orders after she was convicted of murdering seven babies and attempting to murder six others, with two attempts on one of her victims.
The inquiry, which will begin on 10 September and will be held at Liverpool town hall, will examine events at the Countess of Chester hospital’s neonatal unit, where Letby was a nurse, between 2015 and 2016.
It will also investigate the conduct of others at the hospital, including senior management, and the culture in the wider NHS.
Thirlwall heard arguments earlier this month from barristers representing key parties, including the families of Letby’s victims, about whether the hearings should be broadcast live.
In a ruling published on the inquiry website on Wednesday, the judge said a livestream should made available to the public. “The norm, or more accurately, the fundamental principle, is open justice,” she said.
Thirlwall, a former court of appeal judge, added: “This inquiry is of profound importance. The terms of reference require an examination of matters of deep public concern. This will include close scrutiny of many events, the conduct of people involved and the decisions they made – as well as consideration of broader issues affecting the NHS. The principle of open justice applies not only to the hearings but also to the inquiry’s processes.”
Lawyers for the families had argued that the proceedings should be livestreamed to the public, in part to “combat conspiracy theories”.
Peter Skelton KC, representing the families of six babies, described the online speculation as “grossly offensive” and “distressing” for his clients, whom he compared to relatives of school shooting victims in the US.
Thirlwall rejected the idea that livestreaming the inquiry would dispel “toxic and offensive” conspiracy theories.
She said: “Searching for truth is not a characteristic of conspiracy theorists. Like those who promulgate fake news, they search for information which supports their worldview. When they find none, they manufacture it, often using and distorting video footage to be found on the internet.”
Letby faces a retrial next month on one count of attempted murder.
Last week the former nurse was denied permission to challenge her convictions at the court of appeal in London. The appeal was rejected by Dame Victoria Sharp and Lord Justice Holroyde. Reporting of the appeal is limited as restrictions are in place.
