Serial killer Lucy Letby is accused of attempting to kill a baby shortly after she had been born prematurely at the hospital where the nurse was working, a jury has heard.
Letby, 34, allegedly attempted to murder the infant – known as Child K – in February 2016 while employed on the neonatal unit at the Countess of Chester Hospital in Chester.
Letby was convicted last year of seven counts of murder and seven charges of attempted murder against six different babies, all while she was employed at the hospital.
She is now standing trial at Manchester crown court over the alleged attempted murder of Child K.
Opening the case, prosecutor Nick Johnson KC told jurors they should know about Letby’s status as a serial killer because it is relevant in this trial.
“There was a very long trial about a year ago in which Lucy Letby was convicted of seven murders and seven attempted murders”, he said.
“Thirteen children and here we are dealing with a baby who is the 14th.
“All that happened while Lucy Letby was working as a neonatal nurse in the neonatal unit at the Countess of Chester hospital in Chester.”
He told the court: “We suggest it’s not the case that you should convict her in this case because of what she has done in other cases.
“What we are suggesting is it gives you significant evidence as to what her intention was at the time we allege she did something to (Child K).
“We are saying that her status as a multiple murderer and attempted murderer is important, it is a piece of the evidence you can take into account when you are considering whether we have made you sure she attempted to murder (Child K).”
The jury was warned on Tuesday by trial judge Mr Justice Goss that they should only consider the evidence presented in this trial, instructing them to “decide the case on the evidence placed before you and nothing else”.
Letby is sat in the dock in court as Mr Johnson opens the case against her.
Letby, of Hereford, denies attempted murder.
The trial continues.
