Anonymity lifted for Dr. Mark Deakin, Lucy Letby’s former colleague
Reporting restrictions have been lifted, allowing the public identification of Dr. Mark Deakin, a consultant paediatrician who worked alongside nurse Lucy Letby. Deakin, who died in July 2026 at age 53, had been protected by anonymity orders during Letby’s trial and the subsequent public inquiry. He provided key testimony regarding his interactions with Letby, including thousands of messages, and was later dismissed for breaching patient confidentiality. An inquest into his death is now scheduled to open.
Key points
- Dr. Mark Deakin, previously protected by a court anonymity order, can now be named after his death in July 2026.
- Deakin worked with Lucy Letby at the Countess of Chester Hospital during the period she is convicted of murdering seven babies and attempting to murder six others.
- He gave evidence in Letby’s trial, describing their relationship as a 'trusted friendship' while prosecutors characterized it as a romantic 'crush' or 'boyfriend' dynamic.
- The Thirlwall inquiry revealed Deakin exchanged over 1,000 Facebook messages with Letby and helped her secure a placement at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital.
- Deakin was dismissed from Alder Hey for gross misconduct after sharing confidential patient information with Letby; he died shortly after this dismissal.
- An inquest into the circumstances of Deakin’s death will now be opened by the Cheshire Coroner’s Court.
Background
Lucy Letby is serving 15 whole-life prison terms for the murders and attempted murders of infants at the Countess of Chester Hospital. The Thirlwall inquiry, which examines how these crimes occurred, is due to publish its findings on September 15, 2026. The Criminal Cases Review Commission is currently reviewing Letby’s convictions based on new evidence from medical experts who argue the babies died of natural causes.
How outlets are covering it
BBC and ITV News both confirm the lifting of anonymity orders for Dr. Mark Deakin. While BBC focuses on the procedural aspect of the court order and his death, ITV News provides more detail on the nature of the relationship, citing messages where Letby called Deakin 'sweetie' and notes that his name appeared on notes found at her home. Both sources agree that Deakin was dismissed for breaching confidentiality and died shortly after, though BBC notes he had been unwell, while ITV specifies he was found collapsed in his car. Neither source disputes the core facts of his testimony or the timeline of his dismissal.
Why it matters
The identification of Dr. Mark Deakin provides further insight into the interpersonal dynamics that allowed Lucy Letby to commit her crimes. His testimony and the subsequent breach of patient confidentiality highlight failures in hospital oversight and the potential for manipulation within medical staff. The upcoming inquest into his death may reveal additional details about the impact of the scandal on colleagues involved in the case.
What to watch
The Cheshire Coroner’s Court will open an inquest into the death of Dr. Mark Deakin. The Thirlwall inquiry is scheduled to publish its final findings on September 15, 2026. The Criminal Cases Review Commission continues its review of Lucy Letby’s convictions, which could lead to further legal proceedings if the review is successful.
- Lucy Letby 'boyfriend' doctor named as court order lifted BBC
- Doctor accused of being Lucy Letby’s ‘boyfriend’ named after death The Times
- Doctor colleague of child serial killer Lucy Letby named ITVX
- Killer nurse Lucy Letby's NHS doctor 'boyfriend' who died suddenly unmasked Daily Express
- Killer nurse Lucy Letby's doctor 'boyfriend' who died suddenly after being sacked named for first time Daily Mirror
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