Story perspectives

Court lifts Mark Deakin anonymity after Lucy Letby convictions

9/2/2026

Summary

Letby Sentenced

Lucy Letby serves 15 whole-life prison terms while the Criminal Cases Review Commission reviews her convictions.
Doctor Mark Deakin testified behind a screen using special measures and anonymity at Letby’s trial.
Doctor Mark Deakin detailed emergency calls, joint resuscitations and over 1,300 Facebook messages exchanged with Lucy Letby.
Prosecutor Nick Johnson KC said Lucy Letby, infatuated with Doctor Mark Deakin, harmed babies expecting his help, causing her tears.

Summary

Deakin Anonymity Lifted

The Court of Appeal lifted Mark Deakin’s anonymity after his death, allowing media to publish his name and image.
Deakin, a specialist diabetes consultant at Alder Hey, was dismissed for gross misconduct on 23 June 2026.
He collapsed in a diabetic coma on 24 June 2026 and died 3 July 2026 at Whiston Hospital.
Alder Hey must notify the General Medical Council, risking Deakin’s professional registration after investigators found he accessed Baby N’s confidential records.

History

Historical Context

In 2000, GP Harold Shipman was found guilty of 15 murders, and the Shipman Inquiry (final report Jan 2005) concluded he likely killed about 250 patients, driving sweeping reforms of death certification, prescribing and GMC oversight. Those reforms now shape the GMC’s response to Dr Mark Deakin’s alleged data-access breaches at Alder Hey, reviving calls for tighter patient-record controls.

1 of 3

Letby Sentenced

Lucy Letby serves 15 whole-life prison terms while the Criminal Cases Review Commission reviews her convictions.
Doctor Mark Deakin testified behind a screen using special measures and anonymity at Letby’s trial.
Doctor Mark Deakin detailed emergency calls, joint resuscitations and over 1,300 Facebook messages exchanged with Lucy Letby.
Prosecutor Nick Johnson KC said Lucy Letby, infatuated with Doctor Mark Deakin, harmed babies expecting his help, causing her tears.

1 / 3