Richard Ashmore

A married doctor known as Doctor A, whom Lucy Letby called her “best friend” and “love,” has died after reportedly being unwell. He worked with Letby at the Countess of Chester Hospital, exchanged more than 1,300 Facebook messages with her, and later gave evidence during her trial for murdering seven babies and attempting to murder seven others. Prosecutors argued that Letby was infatuated with him and harmed infants knowing he might be called to respond, while Letby denied a romantic relationship. A 2024 inquiry found that the doctor had been misled and possibly manipulated by Letby. He had anonymity protection during the trial, and his funeral has taken place.

A Chinese ballistic missile test launched from a nuclear submarine into the South Pacific triggered criticism from Australia, New Zealand and Japan, who warned it destabilises the region and violates the Pacific Nuclear Free Zone’s principles. The test coincided with Australia and Fiji signing a new defence treaty aimed at countering Chinese influence. Japan raised concerns about China’s military expansion and lack of transparency, while Beijing urged countries not to overinterpret its actions. Reports from US and independent security agencies highlight China’s rapidly growing nuclear arsenal and expanding submarine fleet.