Louis Browne KC and Sara Sutherland appear at Thirlwall Inquiry preliminary hearing

May 16, 2024

Louis Browne KC (leader) and Sara Sutherland have today appeared at the first Preliminary Hearing in the Thirlwall Inquiry.

The Thirlwall Inquiry has been set up to examine events at the Countess of Chester Hospital and their implications following the trial, and subsequent convictions, of former neonatal nurse Lucy Letby.  On 21st August 2023 at Manchester Crown Court, Lucy Letby was sentenced to life imprisonment and a whole life order following convictions on 7 counts of murder and 7 counts of attempted murder.

The Rt Hon Lady Justice Thirlwall was appointed to Chair the Inquiry on 4 September 2023. Lady Justice Thirlwall is responsible for discharging the inquiry’s terms of reference and supervising its progress.

The Thirlwall Inquiry’s key objectives are to seek answers for the victims’ families and ensure lessons are learned. The inquiry will also examine the wider circumstances, including the response and conduct of the NHS, its staff and its regulators.

Louis Browne KC and Sara Sutherland are instructed by Gamlins and Bond Turner.

The inquiry, which begins on September 10, will be held at Liverpool Town Hall.