Here’s why Lucy Letby got ‘enhanced prisoner status’ and what privileges come with it

Even though Lucy Letby is serving multiple life sentences for murdering seven babies and attempting to murder seven more at the Countess of Chester Hospital, she was fast-tracked to something called “enhanced prisoner status” just days after arriving at HMP Bronzefield in Surrey.

The Investigation of Lucy Letby revisited her trial, the evidence, and the aftermath of her sentencing. And while a lot of people focus on her crimes, her life in prison is now very different from that of most inmates, mainly because of this enhanced status.

Speaking to MailOnline, an insider explained why Letby was given the upgrade. “Lucy is reserved and very quiet, she isn’t really a problem with staff. It grates with officers though she’s committed the worst crimes possible and here she is on the enhanced unit with all the benefits that come with it. Again the real reason she is here is safety, she would be attacked on any other unit.”

Enhanced prisoners like Letby are placed on Unit Four, which is separate from the general population. She was moved straight there from her induction, alongside other high-profile or vulnerable inmates.

According to the Mirror, all prisoners are given standard status after sentencing, no matter the crime. But Lucy Letby was fast-tracked to enhanced status just days after arriving at HMP Bronzefield. And this actually comes with extra privileges.

So what do these ‘privileges’ actually mean in practice?

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via Countess of Chester Hospital

Basically, inmates with enhanced status can spend more money in the prison canteen. They get around £33 a week. Standard-status prisoners get £19.80. And those on basic punishment receive just £5.50. That money can go on treats like chocolate bars, drinks, and snacks.

Letby also has extra privileges that let her be out of her cell more than most inmates, doing jobs like cleaning or helping in the library. She has three prison jobs.

Her situation is unusual. Lucy Letby is one of just four female prisoners in the UK serving a whole life order. So it might look like a cushy setup from the outside, but the enhanced unit is designed to make sure she survives her sentence in a controlled, secure environment.

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