Killer nurse Lucy Letby, serving multiple life sentences, has found companionship in fellow inmate Beinash Batool, convicted for the murder of 10-year-old Sara Sharif. Both incarcerated at HMP Bronzefield in Surrey, the largest women’s prison in Europe, they have bonded over shared interests in Uno and chess games.
A charity, Chess in Schools and Communities, organizes a weekly club at the prison, where inmates participate in global online chess championships. Teams from HMP Bronzefield have even clinched silver and bronze medals in recent competitions.
According to a source, chess has been promoted within the prison for years, fostering a competitive environment. Letby and Batool have taken on the role of teaching the game to other inmates, leveraging its benefits for anger management and mental engagement. While victims’ families may not approve, prison staff prioritize activities that maintain order and occupy inmates, with the duo transitioning from Uno to chess as their primary pastime.
Batool, the stepmother implicated in Sara Sharif’s tragic death, was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 33 years in December 2024. Letby, a former neonatal nurse, received 15 whole-life orders for her involvement in the deaths of seven babies and attempted murders of eight others at the Countess of Chester Hospital.
The pair frequent the prison’s hair and beauty salon, ensuring a secure environment to prevent altercations. Batool, previously assigned to the prison library, now manages photocopying duties in the chapel, catering to the needs of Muslim and Christian prisoners, although reports suggest she is dissatisfied with her current responsibilities.
Letby and Batool are housed in House Block Four, where individual cells feature ensuite showers. The block predominantly accommodates women serving life sentences for severe offenses like paedophilia and child murder.
Fellow inmates describe Letby’s prison routine as comfortable, with reports of indulging in junk food, watching TV, and taking on additional responsibilities within the prison system. Despite their criminal histories, senior officers commend their involvement in chess, recognizing its positive impact on managing emotions and keeping them occupied.
Concerns over Letby’s safety have led to heightened security measures, with the nurse always accompanied by a guard due to fears of potential attacks. Despite her circumstances, she receives family visits in a specially arranged room, highlighting a compassionate approach to her incarceration.
Staff members are cautious around Letby, acknowledging her manipulative behavior and the potential risks she faces in a less controlled prison environment. Batool’s conviction alongside her husband for Sara’s murder, compounded by family dynamics that allowed the tragedy to unfold, reflects the severity of their crimes and the lasting impact on their lives.
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