Letby ~ Inquiry will have statutory powers

On 18 August 2023, the government announced a non-statutory independent inquiry to examine the circumstances behind the murders of seven babies and seven counts of attempted murder relating to six other babies at the Countess of Chester Hospital. The inquiry will look at the circumstances surrounding the deaths and incidents, including how concerns raised by clinicians were dealt with.

Government orders independent inquiry following Lucy Letby verdict - 18 August 20203 - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

There were widespread calls for the inquiry to have statutory powers and, on 30 August 2023, it was announced that the inquiry will have statutory powers and will be chaired by a judge.

UK Government 30 August 2023 - Legal powers given to Lucy Letby inquiry - 30 August 2023 - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

The government announcement states that the Secretary of State took this decision after listening to the views of families of the victims. The move gives the inquiry legal powers which include compelling witnesses to give evidence under oath. 

The Inquiry chair has yet to be appointed and Terms of Reference will have to be agreed and published.

Letby sentenced to Whole Life Term

Update 16 September 2023 - Lucy Letby to appeal against conviction over babies’ murders | Lucy Letby | The Guardian

Lucy Letby was sentenced on 21 August 2023 to life imprisonment with a whole life order having been convicted on 7 counts of murder. The victims were babies placed under her care as a nurse at the Countess of Chester Hospital. Letby was also convicted on 7 counts of attempted murder. The attempted murder counts related to 6 babies.

Prior to the judge handing down sentence, the court heard personal statements from the parents. 

A redacted version of the sentencing remarks of Mr Justice Goss are available at R -v- Letby - Courts and Tribunals Judiciary

ULEZ - expands 29 August 2023

 

The image shows the boundary of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) that will apply in Greater London from 29 August 2023.

Details of the scheme are at ULEZ Expansion 2023 - Transport for London (tfl.gov.uk) with more useful information at ULEZ Map - London ULEZ Map 2023

Ulez: What is it and why is its expansion controversial? - BBC News

Legal power:

The power to implement the scheme is in the Greater London Authority Act 1999 - in particular Part IV (Transport).

"Just Stop Oil" protesters - lengthy sentences not manifestly excessive

October 2022 saw two "Just Stop Oil" protesters climb the Queen Elizabeth II bridge which carries the A282 road over the River Thames. It is the only way, by road, to cross the river to the east of London.

The bridge had to be closed until the protest ended and numerous vehicles endured long delays - Just Stop Oil protesters removed from Dartford Crossing bridge and arrested | Just Stop Oil | The Guardian 18 October 2022.

One of the protester's demands was for the government to halt all new oil and gas licences but it appears that such demands have fallen on deaf ears - Sunak announces major expansion to North Sea oil drilling - here's why it's so controversial (inews.co.uk)

The two protesters - Morgan Trowland (now aged 40) and Marcus Decker (now age 34) - stood trial in the Crown Court at Basildon before HHJ Collery KC and a jury. They were charged with intentionally or recklessly causing a public nuisance - s78 of the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022.

Both men were convicted on 4 April 2023 and, on 21 April 2023, Trowland was sentenced to 3 years imprisonment and Decker to 2 years 7 months.

The men appealed against their sentences claiming that the sentences were manifestly excessive and otherwise a disproportionate interference with their rights of freedom of expression and assembly under Articles 10 and 11 of the European Convention on Human Rights and so unlawful contrary to s. 6 of the Human Rights Act 1988.

The Court of Appeal (Criminal Division)