A recent inquiry has found that Dr. Mark Deakin, a consultant paediatrician and the romantic partner of convicted child killer Lucy Letby, prioritized his support for the nurse over his professional responsibilities to patients. The findings were detailed in a report by Lady Justice Thirlwall, released earlier this week.

Dr. Deakin, 53, who died earlier this year, exchanged more than 1,300 Facebook messages with Letby between June and September 2016 while they both worked at the Countess of Chester Hospital. The inquiry heard that his involvement began soon after a mortality review concerning two babies, identified as O and P, in July 2016. Deakin advised Letby privately to “keep it to herself” but also attempted to bolster her confidence by telling her that if she had doubts about her competence, she should stop working, noting that her documentation was “perfect.”

The inquiry report highlighted that Deakin forwarded Letby an email indicating the likelihood of an inquest into the cases, yet he continued to support her, placing his personal loyalty ahead of his duties to patients. Lady Justice Thirlwall commented that between his professional obligations and his desire to assist Letby, he "put her first."

Deakin's support for Letby extended into 2017 when he helped arrange observational placements for her at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool. During the inquiry, Deakin testified that he felt “misled and maybe manipulated” by Letby.

The proceedings also revealed Letby’s reactions during Deakin’s testimony. At one point, Letby attempted to leave the courtroom as Deakin, a married father of two, took the witness stand. Prosecutors suggested this reaction may have been due to her discomfort with hearing from her former partner.

Additionally, notes discovered at Letby’s home included references to Deakin’s name and phrases such as “love was all we needed,” underscoring the personal nature of their relationship.

Letby, 36, was convicted for the murders of seven babies and the attempted murders of seven others at the Countess of Chester Hospital during 2015 and 2016. The inquiry’s findings shed light on the complex interplay between Letby and Deakin during the period in question, raising questions about professional boundaries and patient safety within the hospital environment.