Lucy Letby marks her first birthday in prison, facing a tough reality as a notorious inmate
Surrey: Today marks Lucy Letby’s first birthday in prison. She’s spending it behind bars after being convicted of killing newborns. Any birthday cards she gets will be checked by drug-sniffing dogs, according to a former prison officer.
Letby was found guilty of murdering seven babies and attempting to kill seven more while working at Countess of Chester Hospital between 2015 and 2016. She received a whole-life sentence in July, meaning she’ll be in prison for good.
Turning 35 today, she’s likely celebrating at HMP Bronzefield. A retired prison governor, Vanessa Frake, mentioned that Letby needs to “watch her back” in prison, especially given her high-profile case.
Frake explained that Letby’s birthday will feel just like any other day in jail. No presents, no cake, and no special treatment. She can receive cards, but they’ll be screened for anything suspicious.
According to the HMP Bronzefield website, there are 572 women in the facility, divided into four houseblocks. They have a routine that includes meals, work, and lessons, but it’s all pretty standard for inmates.
Vanessa noted that Letby will be in a vulnerable prisoner unit, which means she’ll have to be cautious. Being a child murderer doesn’t sit well with other inmates, so she’ll need to stay alert.
Letby’s safety is a priority, and she’ll be assessed regularly to determine if she needs to be on suicide watch. This isn’t about threats from other prisoners but rather her own well-being.
During holidays, social visits are limited, and her parents can’t send her gifts. If they do meet, it won’t be in private, as all visits are monitored by prison staff.
