Full Breakdown
Death of Dr Mark Deakin Triggers Inquest Amid Links to Lucy Letby
By Drooid · · How we work
Background & Context
Dr Mark Deakin, 53, a consultant paediatrician from Winsford, Cheshire, worked alongside Lucy Letby at the Countess of Chester Hospital during the period when Letby murdered seven babies and attempted to murder seven others in 2015-2016. He later served as a locum consultant at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital. The BBC notes that Letby exchanged 1,355 Facebook messages with Deakin between June and September 2016, some containing personal references. Deakin told the Thirlwall Inquiry that Letby “misled and maybe manipulated” him to obtain information about her victims. He was never questioned at Letby’s trial about a possible romantic relationship.
Core Event: Death and Inquest Initiation
Deakin was found collapsed in his car at a retail park about 20 miles from his home on June 24 and was rushed to hospital, where he died nine days later on July 3 (BBC, Daily Star). He had been dismissed from Alder Hey for gross misconduct on June 23, according to reports. The inquest was formally opened by HM Senior Coroner Jacqueline Devonish on September 23.
Official Statements & Responses
Amanda Edgar, the coroner’s officer, explained that the inquest will examine the unnatural circumstances surrounding Deakin’s death. Senior Coroner Jacqueline Devonish adjourned the initial hearing for a pre-inquest review on January 22 and scheduled the full inquest for later in February. Reporting restrictions that had shielded Deakin’s identity during Letby’s trial were lifted earlier this month following his death.
Data & Statistics
What’s Next
A pre-inquest review is set for January 22, after which the full inquest will take place later in February, as scheduled by Senior Coroner Jacqueline Devonish.