Parents of Boy Misdiagnosed by Key Prosecution Witness Offer to Testify in Lucy Letby Defence
The central prosecution expert witness in the Lucy Letby trial, Dr. Dewi Evans, previously misdiagnosed an eight-year-old boy with bulimia when he was, in fact, suffering from a life-threatening brain tumour. The parents of this boy have now publicly stated their willingness to provide evidence in defence of the convicted nurse, Lucy Letby, citing serious concerns about Dr. Evans’s diagnostic abilities.
Andrew and Donna Llewellyn claim that Dr. Evans’s erroneous diagnosis for their son, Jared, could have led to his death had they not sought a second medical opinion. Dr. Evans’s testimony was a cornerstone of the prosecution’s case against Letby, who was convicted in 2023 of murdering seven infants and attempting to murder seven others at the Countess of Chester Hospital.
This revelation comes at a time when significant doubts are being raised within the medical and legal communities regarding the robustness of the prosecution’s case against Letby. Specifically, apparent inconsistencies and errors in Dr. Evans’s evidence have come under intense scrutiny.
A Harrowing Misdiagnosis and a Near-Fatal Outcome
Mrs. Llewellyn recounted the distressing experience in April 2008 when her son, Jared, then eight years old and now 26 and severely autistic, began suffering from involuntary projectile vomiting and a severely stiff neck. These symptoms were indicative of increased pressure on the brain.
However, Dr. Evans, who was the senior paediatric consultant at Singleton Hospital in Swansea at the time, dismissed these alarming signs as “behavioural.”
“Dewi Evans said it was all behavioural, that Jared was bulimic and he was going to discharge him and he would arrange for Jared to see a dietician,” Mrs. Llewellyn stated. “He talked at us, he didn’t talk to us. His bedside manner was terrible.”
Jared’s medical records from that period indicate that Dr. Evans ordered a gastrografin test for the gastrointestinal tract. Undeterred by the initial diagnosis and still concerned by Jared’s persistent vomiting, the Llewellyns insisted on further investigation. Jared remained in the hospital.
The Crucial Second Opinion
The Llewellyns’ persistence paid off when a second paediatrician, Dr. Ingo Scholler, was consulted. Dr. Scholler promptly ordered a CT scan, which revealed a critical finding: a brain tumour located at the base of the skull.
This discovery led to an urgent 12-hour surgery performed by neurosurgeons in a bid to save Jared’s life. Following the operation, Jared underwent an intensive six-week course of daily radiotherapy.
Mr. Llewellyn, a retired nurse, emphasised the gravity of their situation: “Had we not asked for a second opinion, our son would have died. If Lucy Letby faces a retrial, we will give evidence for the defence.”
The Llewellyns have chosen to come forward now because they feel Dr. Evans was presented to the jury in the Letby case as an unimpeachable medical expert.
When approached for comment, Dr. Evans stated: “I’m unable to make any comment on this case as, firstly, it would be a breach of confidentiality and, secondly, I would need to review the clinical notes. I’m afraid I have no recollection of this case.”
Growing Doubts About Expert Testimony
This is not the first time Dr. Evans’s professional conduct and evidence have been called into question. During the initial Lucy Letby trial, Lord Justice Jackson, an Appeal Court judge, took the unusual step in December 2022 of writing to the trial judge, Mr. Justice Goss. In his letter, Lord Justice Jackson described a report prepared by Dr. Evans in a separate, unrelated case as “worthless.”
Furthermore, a group of 14 leading neonatology experts from around the world, under the leadership of Professor Shoo Lee, have publicly concluded that the evidence does not support the assertion that murders occurred.
David Davis MP, who has been actively campaigning on behalf of Letby, commented on the situation: “I’m afraid that this case, which almost turned into a tragedy, is yet more evidence that Dr. Evans’ confidence outruns his competence.”
Letby’s legal representative, Mark McDonald, also highlighted the implications: “The limitations of the expertise of Dr. Evans forms a substantial part of my submissions to the Criminal Cases Review Commission.”
A spokesperson for Swansea Bay University Health Board acknowledged the family’s concerns: “We are sorry to hear of the family’s concerns. We can confirm a letter of complaint was received and their concerns were investigated. The consultant involved retired in 2009. Any work he has undertaken in a private capacity since then is a matter for him and his employers.”
