Inside the maximum security prison where Lucy Letby could end up
Content warning: The subject matter in this article may be upsetting to some readers
After her conviction on Monday, Lucy Letby will spend the rest of her life in a maximum security prison.
The neonatal nurse has become one of Britain’s most prolific serial killers, after being charged with killing seven babies and attempting to murder six more.
Now, the 33-year-old has been given a ‘whole life’ sentence, meaning Letby will spend the rest of her life in one of the UK’s most notorious prisons.
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The two likely candidates are HMP Bronzefield in Ashford and HMP Low Newton.
HMP Low Newton is a maximum-security unit located in the village of Brasside in County Durham
Whilst it’s surrounded by idyllic countryside, the prison is no picnic as it houses some of the UK’s most dangerous criminals – including notorious serial killer Rose West.
Other inmates include Mairead Philpott, who killed six of her children when she and her husband Mick started a fire at their family home.
If that weren’t intimidating enough, Low Newton has some pretty horrendous entry requirements.
Potential inmates include those who committed a violent act against another person and pose a high risk of committing other serious offences.
The prison is also part of the Primrose Project, which aims to treat criminals with serve personality disorders.
Having been opened in 1965, the jail’s Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) found that the site had an entire block that needed to be demolished after it failed to meet health and safety standards.
Photographs from the 2021 inspection revealed pink details added to cells, including the towelling.
There's also a shop where inmates can buy clothing, communal spaces and pet sheep and goats to keep prisoners ‘calm’.
However, this will be of little help as Letby serves out her whole life sentence.
Despite not appearing at Monday’s sentencing (Aug 21), the former nurse was convicted of killing seven infants and the attempted murder of six other babies.
In the weeks prior, prosecutors had argued that there was a 'very, very clear case' against Letby – who was later sentenced for her crimes.
Speaking as if the former nurse was present, Mr Justice Goss said there was 'premeditation, calculation and cunning in your actions' as he awarded a ‘whole life’ order.
This means that the neonatal nurse will have no possibility of release or even parole, due to the horrific nature of her crimes.
Topics: Lucy Letby, UK News, Crime
Katherine Sidnell