Anonymity lifted for doctor linked to Lucy Letby, inquest into his death opened

A court order that kept the identity of the doctor labeled as Lucy Letby’s “boyfriend” confidential has now been rescinded, allowing the public to learn he was Mark Deakin, 53, who died in July. Deakin was a colleague of Letby at the Countess of Chester Hospital during the 2015-2016 period when she killed seven infants and attempted six more, and later served as a consultant at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool.

Media reports claim he was dismissed after breaching patient confidentiality in text messages with Letby and that his health declined shortly thereafter, leading to an inquest into his death. The Thirlwall inquiry, which examined how Letby’s crimes were possible, disclosed that the pair exchanged over 1,000 Facebook messages and that Deakin helped her obtain a placement at Alder Hey. Deakin testified that he felt misled and possibly manipulated by Letby, who denied a romantic relationship despite acknowledging a joint London trip. The inquiry’s findings are scheduled for publication on 15 September, while Letby continues to serve 15 life sentences and her convictions are under review by the Criminal Cases Review Commission.