Tech billionaire Mike Lynch, who recently died in a yacht accident off the coast of Sicily, had reportedly been considering funding an "Innocence Project" to investigate the conviction of Lucy Letby, a former nurse found guilty of murdering seven babies and attempting to kill six others at the Countess of Chester Hospital. This revelation comes as medical and legal experts continue to question the evidence used to convict Letby, describing it as "unsafe."
Lynch, known for his expertise in probability theory and his involvement in high-profile legal battles, was one of seven people who lost their lives when his yacht, the Bayesian, sank during a storm. The incident claimed the lives of Lynch, his 18-year-old daughter Hannah, and five others, including Morgan Stanley International bank chairman Jonathan Bloomer and his wife Judith, as well as Clifford Chance lawyer Christopher Morvillo and his wife Neda. Lynch’s wife, Angela Bacares, was among the 15 survivors who managed to escape on a lifeboat.
Former Brexit secretary David Davis revealed Lynch's interest in Letby's case, noting that Lynch had questioned the statistical evidence that played a crucial role in her conviction. “Mike was a world-class expert on probability theory and saw straight through the statistical weaknesses that underpinned the Letby prosecution,” Davis wrote. Lynch’s experience with the justice system, particularly his own decade-long battle against fraud charges in the US, may have influenced his interest in investigating possible miscarriages of justice like Letby's.
Letby was sentenced to 15 whole-life orders, making her only the fourth woman in UK history to be told she will never be released from prison. The trial, which lasted 10 months, was marked by complex medical evidence and statistical arguments that took time to explain to the jury. Some of the evidence included notes written by Letby that read, "I AM EVIL I DID THIS" and "I killed them on purpose because I am not good enough," which the prosecution presented as confessions. However, other notes suggested a different state of mind, with Letby writing, "Kill myself right now … hate my life, fear, panic, despair, WHY ME? I haven’t done anything wrong."
Several experts have criticized the conviction, arguing that the reliance on statistical evidence and expert opinion on complex medical issues created an "unsafe" basis for the guilty verdicts. Peter Green, a mathematics professor at Bristol University, told The Economist that the conviction is "unsafe," while Philip Dawid, a statistics professor at Cambridge University, said it "leaves a bad taste in the mouth." Green and other experts argued in their booklet, "Healthcare Serial Killer or Coincidence?" that using statistical correlations to establish guilt was flawed, comparing it to "painting the target around the arrow."
Further complicating matters, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) admitted errors in the evidence initially presented about staff entries and exits at the neonatal unit, although they claimed these mistakes were corrected during the retrial. This has not quelled concerns among some experts who believe the conviction should be re-examined.
Channel 4 is set to produce a two-part documentary, "The Trial of Lucy Letby," directed by Emmy award-winning filmmaker Daniel Bogado. The series aims to explore the details of Letby's trial and the ongoing debates about her conviction. Meanwhile, a public inquiry into how Letby was able to commit her crimes on the neonatal unit will begin at Liverpool Town Hall.
As the public and legal community await the inquiry and documentary, Lynch's interest in Letby's case adds a poignant layer to his legacy. Known for challenging injustices, Lynch's tragic death has reignited discussions about fairness in high-profile cases.
The Lynch family, grieving the loss of both Mike and Hannah, expressed their gratitude to those involved in the rescue efforts. "The Lynch family is devastated, in shock, and is being comforted and supported by family and friends. Their thoughts are with everyone affected by the tragedy," a family spokesperson stated, asking for privacy during this time of grief.
Hannah Lynch, who had just completed her A-levels and was preparing to study English at Oxford University, was remembered for her kindness and academic excellence. “She was endlessly caring, passionately mad, unintentionally hilarious, and the most amazing, supportive, and joyful sister and best friend to me,” her sister Esme said. Her teachers also praised her as “one of the best English students in the country.”
As the investigation into Letby's case continues and the public inquiry looms, Lynch's untimely death serves as a stark reminder of the complexities surrounding justice and the importance of thorough examination in high-profile cases.
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