Child H
The prosecution’s theory: Air embolism / airway interference.
Outcome: Survived
Gestation: 34+4 weeks, 2.33 kg, female
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Prosecution theory
Air embolism / airway interference.
Method alleged: Airway interference or air embolism.
Prosecution experts: Dr Dewi Evans; Dr Sandie Bohin.
Panel view (Feb 2025)
Panel: the deteriorations were due to medical mismanagement of a tension pneumothorax. No evidence of intentional tampering with the endotracheal tube.
Pathology
No fatal outcome. Panel conclusion: Baby 8's deteriorations were due to medical mismanagement of the tension pneumothorax; there was no evidence of intentional tampering with the endotracheal tube. The Panel records that one prosecution expert witness himself recognised that the care of the pneumothorax was sub-optimal.
Natural-cause alternatives identified
- Medical mismanagement of a tension pneumothorax — the Panel's stated cause of the deteriorations
- Poor skill in chest-drain insertion (identified in the Panel's general findings on the unit)
What the jury did not hear
- The Panel's conclusion that the deteriorations were caused by mismanagement of a tension pneumothorax.
- That a prosecution expert witness accepted the pneumothorax care was sub-optimal.
- That the Panel found no evidence of intentional tampering with the endotracheal tube.
Key primary sources
- International Expert Panel — Additional 10 Cases report (June 2025), Panel Baby 8: https://lucyletbyinnocence.com/shoo-lee/International%20Expert%20Panel%20New%20Summary%20Report%20of%20additional%2010%20cases.pdf
- R v Letby sentencing remarks (August 2023)
Read the full long-form analysis →
Sources:
- Court of Appeal judgment (May 2024) and sentencing remarks — judiciary.uk
- Shoo Lee International Expert Panel Report (February 2025) — lucyletbyinnocence.com
- Per-baby trial evidence archive — lucyletbyinnocence.com
This page uses only the court-assigned code and publicly reported facts. The court imposed lifelong anonymity on every family; this site does not contact families and does not speculate about private circumstances.