THE trial of Chester healthcare worker Lucy Letby could be held in Manchester and last up to six months, a judge said today (Friday, January 22).

A hearing was hosted at Chester Crown Court, with the judge, prosecution and defence barristers all appearing via remote link, to discuss trial arrangements should Letby, 30, plead not guilty to the charges she faces.

Letby is charged with eight counts of murder and 10 charges with attempted murder, in connection with the deaths of babies at the Countess of Chester Hospital.

The 18 charges relate to the period of between June 2015 and 2016.

Letby, of Arran Avenue, Hereford, who is currently remanded in custody, was not present for today's hearing.

Both prosecution and defence teams agreed, the court heard, that in the event the case proceeded to trial, it should not take place in Chester, due to the high-profile nature of the case.

They agreed it was important for Letby to receive a fair trial.

Alternative crown court venues were discussed for the trial, including Liverpool, Manchester and Preston.

Defence barrister Benjamin Myers said it was the defence's preference that the trial should be held in Manchester, with Chester-based witnesses able to watch proceedings and/or give evidence remotely from Chester.

He said watching proceedings remotely had already been possible in previous court cases, and may be "inevitable" if the current pandemic restrictions continued.

The judge, Mr Justice Ian Dove, said while it was not possible for him to order any future trial to take place in Manchester, he said the possibility of holding a trial there "should be explored on a relatively urgent basis".

He added he would "get the ball rolling" and enquire with the Recorder of Manchester on the feasibility of holding Letby's trial there.

There was also a discussion on how long a potential trial would last, with prosecuting barrister Nicholas Johnson QC telling the court it could last six months, with Judge Dove adding he expected the trial to last between four and six months.

Letby will be next expected to appear at Chester Crown Court on February 19 for a plea and trial preparation hearing.

Due to the current Covid situation, it is anticipated Letby will appear at court via remote videolink.