The flag above Manchester Crown Court is flying at half mast this afternoon as a mark of respect to the victims of Lucy Letby. This somber gesture coincides with the former neonatal nurse being taken from the court building to begin her life sentence.

On Monday, August 21, Letby was handed 14 whole-life prison terms for the murder of seven babies and seven counts of attempted murder against six others, making her the most prolific child killer in modern times.

During the proceedings, families of her victims delivered poignant statements before Mr Justice James Goss declared that she would die behind bars. He remarked on her actions as being "completely contrary to the normal human instincts of nurturing and caring for babies," describing the "cruelty and calculation" involved as "truly horrific."

The families expressed their feelings towards Letby by stating 'you are nothing' and labeling her as 'evil' and 'disconnected from God.'

In tribute to her victims, the union flag above Crown Square near Spinningfields is being flown at half-mast.

Cheshire Police also shared a graphic featuring pink and blue ribbons surrounding their crest on social media, emphasizing that there are no winners in this tragedy—only lives irrevocably changed.

They stated: "There are no winners in this - just many lives that have been irrevocably changed. Our thoughts at this time are with the babies and their families."

Following the hearing, Deputy Senior Investigating Officer Detective Chief Inspector Nicola Evans commented: "Nothing will bring back the babies who died or take away the pain and suffering experienced by all of the families over the years but I hope that the significant sentence will bring some comfort at this dark time."

She added: “The victim impact statements read out in court today on behalf of the parents are a chilling reminder of the pain and suffering that each family has had to endure over the years. Hearing their own experiences in their own words has been truly heartbreaking.”

“I would once again like to say thank you to the families for putting your trust in us and for supporting an investigation that has been running for six years and a trial that has spanned almost 12 months. Our thoughts remain with you all at this incredibly difficult time – you are truly remarkable and will always have a place in our hearts.”