A prominent physician involved in the conviction of Lucy Letby, a nurse guilty of killing babies, is planning to transition to priesthood post his retirement from NHS service. Dr. John Gibbs, known for his role in the legal proceedings against Letby, faces criticism from her supporters who question the validity of his testimonies that led to her guilty verdicts in the newborn deaths. Dr. Gibbs, a senior consultant, was among the first to raise concerns about Letby’s actions at the Countess of Chester hospital and actively advocated for her removal. Despite his involvement in the case, recent reviews by international experts suggest no intentional harm was inflicted on the infants. Interestingly, post-retirement, Dr. Gibbs pursued a degree in theology, signaling his interest in religious studies.
The decision of Dr. Gibbs to pursue a clerical career has sparked controversy, with Professor Richard Gill, a statistician advocating for Letby’s release, expressing disbelief at the sudden career shift. Gill questioned Dr. Gibbs’ motivations and criticized what he perceived as a desire for maintaining social status and reputation. Notably, Gill highlighted the solidarity among hospital consultants, suggesting that internal mistakes are downplayed within the medical community.
Recent reports indicate Dr. Gibbs actively participates in his local evangelical church in Chester, engaging in various church activities. Furthermore, recordings on the church’s website showcase Dr. Gibbs delivering sermons on medical ethics, reflecting his commitment to intertwining his medical background with his newfound religious pursuits. Meanwhile, Letby’s legal team, led by Mark McDonald, continues to present fresh evidence to challenge her convictions, with a panel of medical experts supporting claims that no deliberate harm was caused to the infants.
Despite the new evidence and expert opinions, families of Letby’s victims remain skeptical, dismissing the findings as flawed and merely echoing the defense’s arguments from the trial. Letby, sentenced to 15 whole-life orders for the deaths of seven infants and attempted murders of seven others, continues to challenge her legal status through ongoing legal procedures. Dr. Gibbs has been approached for comments on his career transition amidst the ongoing legal developments.
