A former prison governor has shared her thoughts on how convicted child-killer Lucy Letby will get on in prison.
Vanessa Frake spent almost three decades working in the UK prison system and has encountered some of the country’s most notorious criminals.
During a recent interview with LADbible, Vanessa - who has since written a book about her experiences working in prisons - shared her thoughts on Letby’s time behind bars.
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The former nurse was sentenced to life in prison after being found guilty of the murders of seven babies and the attempted murder of six others back in August.
Mr Justice Goss told the 33-year-old there was 'premeditation, calculation and cunning in your actions' as he handed down a whole-life order at Manchester Crown Court.
Addressing the nurse, he said: “You acted in a way that was completely contrary to the normal human instincts of nurturing and caring for babies and in gross breach of the trust that all citizens place in those who work in the medical and caring professions.
“The babies you harmed were born prematurely and some were at risk of not surviving but in each case you deliberately harmed them, intending to kill them.
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Speaking to LADbible, Vanessa said: “She will probably spend the majority of her time, initially, by herself in a segregation unit. She won’t be allowed to mix with the general population of the prison at this precise time, for obvious reasons, to protect not only her but other prisoners.
"So for her, I’m afraid it’s going to be quite a lonely existence.
“At some stage, though, the prison authorities will risk assess and make that decision to try and integrate her into the general population. But I shouldn’t think that won’t be for a good few years yet.
“You know, child killers in this day and age are seen as the lowest of the low in prison. The likes of Lucy Letby will probably always have to look over her shoulder.
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“Prison staff can be there most of the time, but there will always be that occasion when they won’t be about.”
When asked if she thought there could be attempts on Letby’s life while inside, Vanessa replied: “I think that there are prisoners in the women’s estate who will think nothing of trying to get a trophy like Lucy Letby. There are some serious prisoners locked up in the female estate who would have a go in the blink of an eye, if given the opportunity.”
Claire Reid