THE trial of Lucy Letby, who denies murdering seven babies at the Countess of Chester Hospital neonatal unit and attempting to murder 10 more, has been further delayed.

Last week the trial of the 33-year-old former neonatal unit nurse was due to resume at Manchester Crown Court following the scheduled break for the Christmas and New Year holidays.

But two members of the 12-strong jury were absent last week.

The trial judge, Mr Justice James Goss, informed the jurors present there were "very good reasons" why the two jurors were absent, but it meant that no evidence could be heard on the day.

It had been hoped the trial could resume today (Monday, January 16), but a further juror illness has meant that has not been possible, as all jurors are required to be present for every day the trial hears evidence.

It is not yet known when the trial will be able to resume, having last heard evidence over a month ago on December 15.

Last week, the court also heard the trial is now likely to continue until "sometime in May". Jurors had previously been told the trial was likely to last until the Easter break.

As a result, members of the jury have now been urged not to book any holidays in the immediate weeks following the Easter break.

It is planned for the trial, once resumed, to continue throughout the upcoming months, pausing only for the Easter break between April 6 and April 17, and thereafter only breaking for statutory public holidays, such as the May bank holiday.

The judge told the jury the prosecution was not yet halfway through its case, with evidence having most recently been heard for the seventh child, chronologically in the case, out of 17.

Members of the jury were also reminded not to conduct their own research or discuss the case, and will only be allowed to discuss the case with each other as a full group when they retire to consider their verdict.

A court order bans the reporting of the identities of the children allegedly attacked by Letby, while identifying parents or witnesses connected with the children is also banned.

Letby, originally from Hereford, remains in custody.