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MAFS star Holly dating convicted drug dealer who has three kids with three exes – and his newest baby was born LAST WEEK

A MARRIED At First Sight UK bride hard-launched a new relationship with a convicted drug dealer after binning off her controversial groom.

Holly Ditchfield, 29, who appeared on last year’s installment of the hit E4 reality show, is dating Tiktok personality Aaron Summers, after splitting with on-screen husband Alex Henry after their fiery relationship played out on the show.

Holly Louise Ditchfield at a bar, holding a cocktail.
Instagram
MAFS’ Holly Ditchfield is dating a convicted drug dealer with four kids from four exes[/caption]
Man in gray tracksuit at an airport.
Facebook
TikToker Aaron Summers has had brushes with the law[/caption]
Black and white selfie of a couple.
Instagram
Holly post the PDA-filled snaps just three days after the birth[/caption]
Black and white photo of a couple holding hands.
Instagram
Aaron allegedly cheated on his partner with Holly[/caption]

Aaron, 28, from Dagenham, who pleaded guilty to possession of heroin and crack cocaine with intent to supply back in 2021, allegedly cheated on his partner with Holly, and she found out days before giving birth to his third child last week.

Holly is said to have been aware of Aaron’s partner’s pregnancy, but decided to post the PDA-filled snaps just three days after the birth.

A source told The Sun: “[Holly and Aaron] had been talking for a few weeks and finally met up last weekend.

“He was already in a relationship with a different girl who was heavily pregnant and had the baby on Thursday. They met the day after – Holly fully knows about this. She portrayed herself as a girl’s girl on the show.

“Aaron was at the birth and then drove four and a half hours to Holly’s house [in Huddersfield]. The baby’s mum put the photo of the baby on Facebook on Friday and then Holly posted a photo with Aaron on Sunday.”

In 2021, Aaron pleaded guilty to being in possession of quantities of heroin and crack cocaine with intent to supply at Hastings Magistrates Court – he also pleaded guilty to being in possession of criminal property.

But it wasn’t his first brush with the law, as the convicted drug dealer was handed a community order and 150 hours of unpaid work at West Sussex Magistrates’ Court after he admitted sending text messages which conveyed a threat to cause distress or anxiety in Bognor Regis, back in 2019.

The new couple allegedly met through Tiktok earlier this year, where Aaron does content creation work under the username bigazz1.
Things are said to have moved quickly with the pair, according to a source, who told The Sun that the convicted drug dealer has already met Holly’s kids.

The source continued: “They started chatting in February – they met through Tiktok. He has a platform on there – it’s where he makes his money. Recently he’s been posting content about going to Morocco, before that he was trolling people online.

“He also classes himself as a bit of a rapper – but he should just stick to the day job.”

His Tiktok engagements were said to be “dying down”, prior to Aaron meeting Holly, according to a source.

They continued: “Now all of a sudden he’s in love with her – she’s had him around her kids and they’re already calling him step-dad.”

Aaron is a father-of-three to a daughter and a son from two previous relationships – and his latest welcome addition on Thursday last week.

Holly’s rep had no comment when approached by The Sun.

In snaps posted on Instagram, Holly – who was married to Alex Henry, 28, in her Married At First Sight journey – can be seen enjoying a cuddle from Summers in an image accompanied by three Emoji icons.


Man in a Nike hoodie.
TikTok
The TikToker is allegedly expecting his fourth child with another woman[/caption]
Woman in a crop top and jeans in a hotel room.
Holly has proudly showed off her new relationship on social media
Instagram
Alex and Holly embracing in wedding attire.
Channel 4
Holly tied the knot with Alex on the E4 experiment last year[/caption]

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Cheltenham Gold Cup horse numbers 2025 – full list of runners and riders for HUGE race at Prestbury Park

THE iconic Cheltenham Gold Cup will take place TODAY.

And you will notice each horse has a number on them to track during the big race. Follow yours with the FULL list of runners and numbers for the Gold Cup below…

Jockey Paul Townend celebrating a win on Galopin Des Champs at the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
PA
Paul Townend and Galopin Des Champs are going for a third consecutive Gold Cup win[/caption]

Cheltenham Festival betting offers and free bets

1 Ahoy Senor

Jockey: Derek Fox

Trainer: Lucinda Russell

2 Banbridge

Jockey: J J Slevin

Trainer: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

3 Corbetts Cross

Jockey: Jack Kennedy

Trainer: Emmet Mullins

4 Galopin Des Champs

Jockey: Paul Townend

Trainer: Willie Mullins

CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL 2025 LIVE: LATEST TIPS AND RESULTS FROM THE GREATEST SHOW ON TURF

5 Gentlemansgame

Jockey: Darragh O’Keeffe

Trainer: Mouse Morris

6 Inothewayurthinkin

Jockey: Mark Walsh

Trainer: Gavin Cromwell

7 Monty’s Star

Jockey: Rachael Blackmore

Trainer: Henry De Bromhead

8 Royale Pagaille

Jockey: Charlie Deutsch

Trainer: Venetia Williams

9 The Real Whacker

Jockey: Brian Hughes

Trainer: Patrick Neville

How to watch EVERY race at Cheltenham Festival 2025

In the UK, ITV1 will be providing FREE coverage of the first SIX races of each day at Cheltenham Festival this year.

Fans in the UK will be able to live stream ITV’s coverage for FREE via the ITVX app/website.

ITV‘s broadcast of the event will begin at 12.45pm and end at 5pm each day.

Previously, ITV didn’t air the final two races of each day at Cheltenham, but this year, viewers are treated to an extra four races across the festival for absolutely NOTHING.

Racing TV is the only place to watch the Cheltenham Festival in its entirety, but you will be required to purchase a subscription to access the channel.

SunSport’s Cheltenham live blog will provide comprehensive coverage of EVERY race across the festival.

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Thomas Tuchel’s first England squad CONFIRMED as Jordan Henderson returns and uncapped stars Burn and Lewis-Skelly in

THOMAS TUCHEL has named his first England squad – with Marcus Rashford and Jordan Henderson recalled.

The German’s reign and qualifying for the 2026 World Cup kicks-off on March 21 against Albania before a clash against Latvia three days later.

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 16: Thomas Tuchel poses for a photo as he is announced as the new England manager at Wembley Stadium on October 16, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Michael Regan - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
Thomas Tuchel has named his first squad as England boss
Getty
England's FIFA World Cup qualifier roster against Albania and Latvia.

Tuchel has revealed his squad for the Wembley Stadium double-header and there is several surprise inclusions.

Rashford has earned an England recall for the first time in a year following his loan move from Manchester United to Aston Villa.

He has not scored for his new side yet but has started four games since his January switch.

Tuchel has also made a bold move in calling-up Arsenal 18-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly.

The wonderkid, who can play at left-back and in midfield, makes the jump from the Under-19s to the Three Lions senior squad just 13 games into his Premier League career.

Tuchel could also hand another debuts to shock inclusions Dan Burn and Jarrel Quansah against Albania or Latvia.

Newcastle’s 32-year-old defender was watched in person by the new boss as the Toon beat West Ham 1-0 on Monday night.

As for the Liverpool centre-back, he was chosen in the Euro 2024 provisional squad but got axed when it was cut down ahead of the tournament without making an appearance.

Tuchel has been unable to call upon Bukayo Saka, Trent Alexander-Arnold Harry Maguire, John Stones, Kobbie Mainoo, Luke Shaw and Lewis Hall due to injuries.

But the new boss has snubbed Jack Grealish, who has played just 34 minutes in Manchester City’s last 11 Premier League games.  

Tuchel officially took over as manager on January 1 and reportedly contacted 55 players before revealing his squad today.

The ex-Chelsea, PSG and Bayern Munich boss has penned an 18-month contract with the FA and has been tasked with bringing home the World Cup in 2026.

Tuchel steps in after Lee Carsley, who took over from Gareth Southgate in the summer, saw his interim role come to an end.

Carsley oversaw five victories in six games as the Three Lions earned promotion back to the top section of the Nations League by winning League B Group 2.

It was a much-needed return to form for England after mixed performances at Euro 2024 before heartbreak in the final to Spain 2-1.

The match was Southgate’s final in the job, quitting after eight years at the helm.

While Southgate was in charge, England finished runner-up at two Euros, as well as making a semi-final and quarter-final in his two World Cup campaigns.

THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..

The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball.

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James Bond expert drops huge hint about new 007 actor after he starred in movie with huge A-list actress

A JAMES Bond expert has dropped a major hint about the identity of Daniel Craig’s successor.

The hunt for the next 007 has been dragging its heels for years, but franchise expert Mark O’Connell believes fans will know the next suave spy’s identity by the summer.

Daniel Craig as James Bond in a suit, standing in front of a classic car.
AP:Associated Press
James Bond will still be a British man despite being sold to ‘woke’ Hollywood streaming site Amazon[/caption]
Harris Dickinson at the 95th Annual Academy Awards.
Getty
Harris Dickinson is emerging as a frontrunner to replace Craig[/caption]

Appearing on Nick Ferrari‘s LBC radio show, O’Connell said he wanted Bond to remain British and favoured a non A-list name.

He said: “Henry Cavill could be back in the running now. Amazon‘s choice could be different to the Broccolis. Aaron Taylor-Johnson, a new guy called Harris Dickinson, keep an eye on him.”

O’Connell certainly knows what makes a good Bond, having written Catching Bullets – Memoirs of a Bond Fan, which was endorsed by none other than 007 steward Barbara Broccoli, who said: “Catching Bullets is a wonderfully funny and touching memoir… Cubby [original Bond producer, Albert Broccoli] would be proud.”

Londoner Dickinson’s stock has risen greatly over the past few years with appearances in Where The Crawdads Sing and steamy flick Babygirl, opposite Nicole Kidman.

In that film, the 28-year-old played an intern who embarks on a passionate affair with his high-powered CEO [Kidman].

One memorable scene featured a shirtless Dickinson dancing to George Michael‘s Father Figure, while there are numerous sizzling romps.

Kidman famously revealed she had real orgasms on set while filming the drama.

In real life Dickinson is in a long-term relationship with his high school sweetheart Rose Gray.

Days ago it was confirmed that Bond will still be a British man despite being sold to “woke” Hollywood streaming site Amazon.

Before giving up ownership of the popular film franchise, 007’s stewards Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson insisted the spy would retain his nationality and gender.

Ms Broccoli, who took over the Bond brand from company Eon Productions alongside Mr Wilson in 1995, made the arrangement before she agreed to sell the rights to Amazon in a £770million deal.

Insiders have hit back at fears the streaming giant – owned by Jeff Bezos – will turn Bond “woke”.

An insider told the Mail on Sunday: “Amazon is committed to keeping the spirit of Bond alive and that means he has to be British or from the Commonwealth – and he has to be male.”

They added: “Jeff is a massive Bond fan and while he’s excited to see how Amazon can take the franchise forward there are certain things which are sacrosanct.

But, Bond’s race is still on the table, with the source adding: “But certain things are up for discussion, like whether Bond should be played by a man of colour.”

Former 007 actor Pierce Brosnan, 71, told The Sunday Telegraph it is a “given” the next actor to take on the role should be British after the success of Daniel Craig, 57.

Harris Dickinson at a British Vogue event.
Getty
Dickinson starred in Babygirl opposite Nicole Kidman[/caption]

The Irish actor said: “I thought it was coming for some time I guess, but I think it was the right decision for Barbara and Michael.

“It takes great courage from them to let go, they will still have a say in matters, I hope that [Amazon] handles the work and the characters with dignity and imagination and respect.”

Half-siblings Barbara Broccoli, 64, and Michael G Wilson, 83, took over the Bond franchise from their father and stepfather Albert ‘Cubby’ Broccoli – who bought the film rights from Bond creator Ian Fleming in 1961.

Since then there have been 25 movies – where Bond defeats villains bent on destruction, all while drinking martinis and seducing women.

After the announcement of the £770 million deal with Amazon, owned by billionaire Jeff Bezos, 61, some fans feared the character would be watered down and turned ‘woke’.

Timeline of James Bond actors

Over the years there have been seven actors who have played 007.

The first ever James Bond film was in 1962, and this is who has played the lead role over the years:

  • Sean Connery – The late star was the first ever actor to play Bond, and reprised the role for seven movies.
  • George Lazenby – The star only played Bond once, but was the youngest actor to ever play the spy.
  • Roger Moore – The late movie star spent 12 years making seven films in the famous franchise.
  • Timothy Dalton – The smooth actor took over from Roger Moore and appeared in The Living Daylights and Licence to Kill.
  • Pierce Brosnan – The handsome star played Bond for four movies from 1995 to 2002.
  • Daniel Craig – The British star was the first blonde James Bond and the sixth actor to win the role in 2005.

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Who is Cole Palmer’s girlfriend Connie Grace?

CONNIE Grace is the girlfriend of Cole Palmer – one of Chelsea and England’s leading footballers.

Her boyfriend is one of many footballers hoping to rejoin the national team, as Thomas Tuchel chooses his team on March 14, 2025.

An image collage containing 1 images, Image 1 shows Cole Palmer and Connie Grace at the GQ Men of the Year Awards
Connie Grace is dating Cole Palmer
Splash News
An image collage containing 1 images, Image 1 shows Chelsea FC's Cole Palmer kicking a soccer ball during a match
Cole has played for both Chelsea and England
Getty Images

Who is Connie Grace?

Like her boyfriend, Connie is from Manchester where she runs a nail salon.

She has built up a huge following on social media, through sharing snaps of herself and Cole on holiday.

Connie has 35,000 followers on Instagram and 21,000 followers on TikTok (as of March 2025).

Relationship timeline

Connie and Cole’s relationship was first reported on in July 2024, when the pair were spotted together off the coast of Ibiza.

Following a frolic in the Mediterranean Sea, they hopped back on their luxury boat to dry off.

Among Cole’s possessions onboard was red and white England speaker, which appeared to have his Three Lions shirt number, 24, printed on it.

At the time a source told The Sun: “They are both young and just going with the flow and enjoying the summer together.”

Opening up about their relationship,

She said: “We met when we were 17.

“I think he knew me through mutual friends so I think he probably had his eye on me.

“Oh, he’s warm and cuddly. Well, with me, hopefully with no one else.

“When you know how much someone wants something and you know that’s someone’s dream, you just feel so proud.”

England national team

Cole has played for the England team since joining the under-17 team in 2019.

He graduated to the under-21 squad in August 2021, before joining the senior team in November 2023.

England’s manager Thomas Tuchel has announced that the new naitonal line-up will be announced on March 14, 2025.

Like many other footballers, Cole is hoping to join the team once again.

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Love Island’s Gabby hits back at fan who asked ‘why doesn’t Casey want you to be his girlfriend?’ in scathing rant

LOVE Island’s Gabby has slammed a fan after they questioned why Casey doesn’t want her to be his girlfriend in a scathing rant.

The fan took to TikTok to deliver a fiery message to the Love Island winner surrounding Gabby’s recent comments on her fellow islanders.

Gabby from Love Island responding to a fan.
The fan took to TikTok to deliver a fiery message to the Love Island winner
TikTok / @bekkyyy
Selfie of Gabby Allen and Casey O'Gorman.
Instagram
Gabby Allen SLAMS fan after they questioned why Casey doesn’t want her to be his girlfriend[/caption]

The user, who goes by the handle @BEKKYYY took to the popular social media site, ranting: “This video is for Gabby from Love Island and Gabby from Love Island only.

“Gabby, I’m here to remind you that while you’re currently on a world tour to talk about every other couple that was in the villa, I want you to know that you won Love Island and you’re not a girlfriend. 

“Casey got on camera and said asking you to be his girlfriend wouldn’t change anything between you two,” she continued.

“I want you to understand Gabrielle that you are an international situationship.

“It didn’t matter what the other couples were doing because the couple that won are barely friends with a lot of benefits.

“That’s what you have to go home to every night so don’t worry about what Catherine is doing and Omar is doing and focus on why Casey doesn’t want you to be his girlfriend.

“You have bigger fish to fry,” the opinionated Love Island fan added.

Gabby hit back in the comments underneath the post, penning: “This made me laugh, thank you. what the hell are you on about? “

She also added a series of crying laughing emojis to let the tiktokker know she was unfazed.

Fellow Love Island Alum Olivia Attwood also jumped to Gabby’s defence, she said: “Guys what I would pay for you to all spend 10 minutes with these islanders in real life and your opinions would change so much, gabby has a kind heart.

“Pls think before you post mean stuff. Ok bye”

Even past Love Island winner Amber Rose Gill chimed in, she said:” I won love island with a man who’s surname I didn’t even know no benefits no nothing (laughing emojis) and broke up w him 7 days after.”

Casey and Gabby have recently been fighting allegations from fans that their relationship is merely a showmance.

The couple had left viewers cringing after an awkward exchange on Hits Radio with Fleur East last week.

When quizzed about whether they’d made things official since leaving the villa, Casey dropped a bombshell.

He admitted: “No, not yet. No, we’re not boyfriend and girlfriend yet.”

Fleur pressed him, asking why couples nowadays need so many steps before committing, but Casey doubled down.

“The difference of us being boyfriend and girlfriend and where we are now, there’s absolutely no difference at all,” he shrugged.

The pair had also come under fire for their comments surrounding other All star’s couples including Catherine and Omar.

In a recent social media video, Gabby and Casey  could be seen playing a game of Guess Who – but the faces had been replaced with their fellow Islanders.

Casey was doing the guessing and Gabby had chosen Catherine Agbaje as the person he had to guess.

After asking a series of questions to try and identify the mystery Islander, he asked: “Would you say this Islanders was in a genuine couple?”

Gabby then threw some shade on Catherine and her boyfriend Omar Nyame and said she wasn’t sure they were genuine as they “hadn’t spent as much time together since leaving the villa.”

Casey O’Gorman and Gabby Allen on a podcast.
YouTube @So Wrong It's Right with Olivia Attwood
The pair have recently come under fire for their comments surrounding other All star’s couples including Catherine and Omar[/caption]
Olivia Attwood at a photocall.
Getty
Fellow Love Island Alum Olivia Attwood jumped to Gabby’s defence[/caption]
Amber Gill at the BRIT Awards 2025.
Getty
Amber Gill also took to the comments to have her say[/caption]

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Tiger Woods ‘secretly dating Donald Trump Jr’s ex-wife Vanessa’ after golfer ‘dated girls who just weren’t right’

TIGER WOODS is dating Vanessa Trump, according to sensational reports.

According to the Daily Mail, four separate sources confirmed Woods and Vanessa – the ex-wife of Donald Trump Jr. – are an item.

Tiger Woods and Kai Trump walking near cars.
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Tiger Woods is dating Donal Trump Jr’s ex-wife Vanessa, back right[/caption]
Tiger Woods and Kai Trump walking at Torrey Pines Golf Course.
Getty
They were spotted arriving to a golf tournament together last month[/caption]
Donald Trump Jr. and Vanessa Trump at the White House Correspondents' Association Dinner.
Getty Images - Getty
Vanessa filed for divorce from Trump Jr. in 2018[/caption]
Tiger Woods and Elin Nordegren at the 2006 Ryder Cup Welcome Dinner.
Woods was married to Elin Nordegren six years before getting divorced in 2010
Getty Images - Getty

They have been together since Thanksgiving and live 20 minutes apart in the wealthy southern Florida enclave of Palm Beach.

A report from Page Six cautions the relationship is “not too serious” yet, but is “heading in that direction”.

Woods’ children, Charlie, 16, and Sam, 17, attend the same school as Vanessa’s eldest daughter Kai, 17; the £30,000-a-year The Benjamin School.

Kai is said to be an avid golfer and is committed to playing golf at the University of Miami next year, and the two families are said to have grown quite close.

Last month Woods and Vanessa were spotted together at a golf tournament, while Kai was seen wearing an outfit from Woods’ clothing line.

Other members of the Trump family, including all five of Vanessa and Trump Jr.’s children, are aware of them being together.

A source told the Mail: “Tiger and Vanessa have been seeing each other since just before Thanksgiving.

“She comes to his place on Jupiter Island. They’re not living together. She comes over maybe a few nights a week.

Cheltenham Festival betting offers and free bets

“They just love hanging out, having dinner and schmoozing together.

“They’re sticking close to home, have decided not to make it a thing and go out in public. Not just yet anyway.”

Woods, 49, and Vanessa, 47, started out as friends before it became something more.

Vanessa filed for a divorce from Trump Jr. in 2018 in New York.

Five-time Masters winner Woods is her first high-profile relationship since the divorce.

Meanwhile, Woods’ love life has seen him date women “who just weren’t right for him”, according to a Page Six insider.

The source added: “They have a lot in common. They’ve both gotten used to public scrutiny. They both know how to keep their private life private. They’re both parents…

“They’re a good match; they’re level-headed, they like to avoid drama, they share a lot of the same values. [Woods] Always tried to date girls who just weren’t right for him.”

The source said of Vanessa: “She’s not starstruck my him; she’d date him even if he weren’t famous. Fame doesn’t interest her; that’s what he likes best about her … We’ll see where it goes.”

Woods was married to Elin Nordegren for six years before they divorced in 2010 amid a sea of controversy including cheating bombshells.

He also went for a round of golf with President Trump last month.

Masters Champion's prize money over the years

1934-1941: $1,500 (£1,183)
1943-1945: Not held (WWII)
1946-1948: $2,500 (£1,971)
1949: $2,750 (£2,168)
1950: $2,400 (£1,892)
1951: $3,000 (£2,365)
1952-1953: $4,000 (£3,154)
1954-55: $5,000 (£3,942)
1956: $6,000 (£4,730)
1957: $8,750 (£6,898)
1958: $11,250 (£8,869)
1959: $15,000 (£11,826)
1960: $17,500 (£13,797)
1961-1969: $20,000 (£15,768)
1970-1972: $25,000 (£19,710)
1973: $30,000 (£23,652)
1974: $35,000 (£27,594)
1975-1977: $40,000 (£31,536)
1978: $45,000 (£35,478)
1979: $50,000 (£39,420)
1980: $55,000 (£43,361)
1981: $60,000 (£47,303)
1982: $64,000 (£50,257)
1983: $90,000 (£70,955)
1984: $108,000 (£85,146)
1985: $126,000 (£99,337)
1986: $144,000 (£113,528)
1987: $162,000 (£127,719)
1988: $183,800 (£144,906)
1989: $200,000 (£157,678)
1990: $225,000 (£177,388)
1991: $243,000 (£191,579)
1992: $270,000 (£212,865)
1993: $306,000 (£241,247)
1994: $360,000 (£283,820)
1995: $396,000 (£312,202)
1996: $450,000 (£354,776)
1997: $486,000 (£383,158)
1998: $576,000 (£454,113)
1999: $720,000 (£567,641)
2000: $828,000 (£652787)
2001-2002: $1,008,000 (£794,697)
2003: $1,080,000 (£851,461)
2004: $1,117,000 (£880,631)
2005-2006: $1,260,000 (£994,536)
2007: $1,305,000 (£1,030,056)
2008-2010: $1,350,000 (£1,064,326)
2011-2013: $1,440,000 (£1,135,281)
2014: $1,620,000 (£1,277,191)
2015-2016: $1,800,000 (£1,419,102)
2017-2018: $1,980,000 (£1,561,012)
2019-2021: $2,070,000 (£1,631,967)
2022: $2,700,000 (£2,128,653)
2023-2024: $3,240,000 (£2,554,383)

CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL 2025 LIVE: LATEST TIPS AND RESULTS FROM THE GREATEST SHOW ON TURF

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Lucy Letby cops are making HUGE mistake – we can prove innocence, killer nurse’s lawyer slams as staff face prosecution

POLICE have made a “huge mistake”, the lawyer for killer nurse Lucy Letby has claimed, after detectives said hospital staff could now face manslaughter charges.

Mark McDonald, representing Letby, who he claims is the victim of a miscarriage of justice, said expert evidence compiled by her defence team “points the finger” in a “very different direction” from where the police are looking.

Mugshot of Lucy Letby.
PA
Nurse Lucy Letby is serving 15 whole-life orders for killing seven babies and attempting to murder seven others at the hospital[/caption]
Photo of Lucy Letby, a neonatal nurse, holding a baby's garment.
SWNS
The killer nurse has twice failed to appeal her convictions[/caption]
The Countess of Chester Hospital's Women & Children's Building.
Alamy
Police have widened their investigation to look into gross negligence manslaughter for staff at the Countess of Chester Hospital[/caption]

Letby, 35, from Hereford, is serving 15 whole-life orders after she was convicted across two trials at Manchester Crown Court of murdering seven infants and attempting to murder seven others, with two attempts on one of her victims, between June 2015 and June 2016.

Cheshire Constabulary has been carrying out an investigation into corporate manslaughter at the Countess of Chester Hospital, where Letby worked as a nurse, and on Thursday the force said the probe had widened to gross negligence manslaughter.

The force said suspects had been identified and notified in connection with the investigation into baby deaths between 2012 and 2016.

The Thirlwall Inquiry, a public inquiry into the events surrounding Letby’s crimes, is due to reconvene at Liverpool Town Hall on Monday for final closing submissions.

Mr McDonald said: “It is astonishing that on the eve of the legal argument to stop the Thirlwall Inquiry, the police have decided to issue a press release discussing gross negligence manslaughter.

“We now have substantial and significant expert evidence which completely demolishes the prosecution case against Lucy Letby and points the finger in a very different direction to that which the police are currently looking.

“It is time they take a step back and ask themselves whether have they made a huge mistake.”

Earlier, in a statement, Cheshire Police said: “In October 2023 following the lengthy trial and subsequent conviction of Lucy Letby, Cheshire Constabulary launched an investigation into corporate manslaughter at the Countess of Chester Hospital.

“This focuses on senior leadership and their decision-making to determine whether any criminality has taken place concerning the response to the increased levels of fatalities.

“As our inquiries have continued, the scope of the investigation has now widened to also include gross negligence manslaughter.”

The statement continued: “This is a separate offence to corporate manslaughter and focuses on the grossly negligent action or inaction of individuals.

“It is important to note that this does not impact on the convictions of Lucy Letby for multiple offences of murder and attempted murder.

“Those identified as suspects have been notified. We will not be confirming the number of people involved or their identity as no arrests or charges have yet been made.

“Both the corporate manslaughter and gross negligence manslaughter elements of the investigation are continuing and there are no set timescales for these.

“Our investigation into the deaths and non-fatal collapses of babies at the neo-natal units of both the Countess of Chester Hospital and the Liverpool Women’s Hospital between the period of 2012 to 2016 is also ongoing.

“Our priority is to maintain the integrity of our ongoing investigations and to support the many families who are at the heart of these.”

Last month an international panel of neonatologists and paediatric specialists told reporters that bad medical care and natural causes were the reasons for the collapses and deaths.

Their evidence has been passed to the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC), which investigates potential miscarriages of justice, and Letby’s legal team hope her case will be referred back to the Court of Appeal.

A spokesperson at the Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust said: “Due to the Thirlwall Inquiry and the ongoing police investigations, it would not be appropriate to comment further at this time.”

Timeline of horror - how Letby targeted babies

LUCY Letby carried out her horrific crimes in a year-long period at Countess of Chester Hospital.

She used insulin and air to inject newborns while working on the neo-natal ward.

The collapses and deaths of the children were not “naturally-occurring tragedies” and instead the gruesome work of “poisoner” Letby.

Her rampage was finally uncovered after staff grew suspicious of the “significant rise” in the number of babies dying or suffering “catastrophic” collapses.

Letby was found to be the “common denominator” among the horrifying incidents.

Officers then searched her three-bedroom home in Chester and discovered a chilling cache of evidence.

The nurse had scribbled haunting notes in diaries and on Post-It notes, including one that read: “I am evil I did this.”

The note added: “I don’t deserve to live. I killed them on purpose because I’m not good enough to care for them.

“I am a horrible person.”

A probe into whether Letby harmed any other babies at the Countess of Chester Hospital and Liverpool Women’s Hospital is ongoing.

A corporate manslaughter investigation is also ongoing, as is now a gross negligence manslaughter one.

Lucy Letby's arrest at her home in Chester in 2018.
The Mega Agency
Letby being arrested by police at her home in 2018[/caption]
Court sketch of Lucy Letby crying in the dock.
PA
A court artist sketch of Letby during her trial[/caption]

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