FLIRTY messages sent between Lucy Letby and a doctor reveal an obsession which could be behind her killing spree.
Prosecutors during her trial said the nurse, 33, sought to gain the sympathy of an older, married father — and she enjoyed being in a crisis situation with him.
He would sometimes be “crash bleeped” to treat babies Letby had attacked.
The doctor was granted lifelong anonymity ahead of the trial after telling a judge he suffered with anxiety.
It was suggested the pair may have had an affair but he denied it, saying he had been the subject of unrequited affection from Letby, who also targeted his wife on social media.
Jurors were shown messages between the pair while they worked at the Countess of Chester Hospital.
After attacking one baby, Letby messaged him about the baby’s issues, writing it “made me think I was not good enough”.
He replied: “You are one of a few nurses I would trust with my own children.”
In other messages the pair exchanged love heart emojis and Letby called the doctor a “sweetie” for bringing her chocolate.
They went on a day trip to London together and for coffee at a Starbucks at Cheshire Oaks designer outlet.
Letby also messaged a pal about him, to which the colleague replied: “Think he likes u too” and later added: “Thought as flirty as u.”
One conversation — after the death of two triplets — revealed he tipped her off about a review meeting, saying: “This email has to stay between us.”
A note found at Letby’s home after her arrest with his name on it said: “My best friend. Love. I loved you and I think you knew that. I wanted you to stand by me but you didn’t.”
When the doctor gave evidence, Letby burst into tears.
She also denied an affair — saying the doctor, who now works at another hospital, was a “trusted friend”.
She said their friendship “fizzled out” at the start of 2018, six months before her arrest.
