HER “MYSTERY BOYFRIEND” FINALLY NAMED — THE MARRIED DAD LINKED TO LUCY LETBY IS REVEALED FOR THE FIRST TIME

For years, he was known only as “Doctor A.”

His identity was protected throughout Lucy Letby’s highly publicized trial, even as prosecutors presented him as a key figure in the story surrounding the former neonatal nurse.

Now, following his death, the doctor can finally be named.

He was Dr Mark Deakin, a married father of two and consultant paediatrician who worked alongside Letby at the Countess of Chester Hospital.

His identity was revealed after the Court of Appeal lifted the reporting restrictions that had previously protected him.

THE DOCTOR AT THE CENTER OF LETBY’S “CRUSH” CLAIM

Deakin became an important figure during Letby’s trial because of the unusually close relationship prosecutors said existed between the pair.

The two exchanged more than 1,300 Facebook messages during a period when they worked together.

Letby referred to Deakin as “sweetie” in messages, while notes recovered from her home contained references to him and expressions of affection.

Prosecutors argued that Letby had developed a strong emotional attachment to Deakin and suggested that her desire for his attention could have been connected to some of the incidents involving babies in her care.

But Letby rejected that characterization.

When Deakin gave evidence during the trial, she became visibly emotional and attempted to leave the dock.

She maintained that he was not her boyfriend and described him as a trusted friend.

THEIR MESSAGES BECAME A MAJOR PART OF THE STORY

The relationship between Deakin and Letby came under even greater scrutiny because some of their communications involved confidential medical information.

One case involved a premature baby known in court as Baby N, whom Letby was convicted of attempting to harm.

An investigation later found that Deakin had inappropriately accessed medical records relating to the child.

The inquiry also examined his close relationship with Letby and his role in helping arrange observational visits for her at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital after she had been removed from clinical duties at the Countess of Chester.

In evidence to the public inquiry, Deakin later said Letby had “misled and maybe manipulated” him into sharing information about babies in her care.

That testimony added another complicated layer to their relationship.

HE HELPED HER AFTER CONCERNS WERE RAISED

The connection between Deakin and Letby continued after concerns had been raised about her position at the Countess of Chester Hospital.

Deakin supported her grievance after she was moved away from frontline neonatal duties.

He later arranged observational visits for her at Alder Hey, where he was working.

An investigation by Alder Hey subsequently examined whether Deakin should have known more about concerns surrounding Letby and whether his actions created risks involving patient confidentiality and safety.

The findings ultimately led to disciplinary proceedings.

THEN CAME THE SHOCKING FINAL CHAPTER

In June 2026, Deakin faced a disciplinary process concerning his conduct.

He was dismissed by Alder Hey on June 23 following the investigation.

Just days later, his life took another dramatic turn.

Deakin was found unconscious in his car at a retail park in Cheshire.

He was taken to hospital and admitted to intensive care.

Nine days later, on July 3, the 53-year-old died. His death has been referred to the Cheshire Coroner.

The circumstances surrounding his death have not been publicly established.

An inquest is expected to examine what happened.

WHY HIS NAME CAN FINALLY BE REVEALED

During Letby’s trial, Deakin was granted anonymity because of concerns surrounding his position as a witness.

That protection remained in place even after the trial.

Following his death, however, the Court of Appeal ruled that the reporting restrictions should be lifted.

Lord Justice Singh said the circumstances had changed and that the principles of open justice and freedom of expression now outweighed the reasons for continuing the anonymity order.

That decision means the man once known publicly only as “Doctor A” can now be identified as Dr Mark Deakin.

A NAME THAT WAS HIDDEN FOR YEARS

Deakin’s story is now inseparably linked to one of Britain’s most notorious criminal cases.

He was the doctor who exchanged thousands of messages with Letby.

He was the man prosecutors described as her “boyfriend” or “crush.”

He was also the witness who later said he believed she had misled or manipulated him.

And now, after his death, the identity that remained hidden throughout the trial has finally entered the public record.

Letby remains in prison, serving multiple whole-life sentences after being convicted of murdering seven babies and attempting to murder seven others.

Meanwhile, questions surrounding Deakin’s final months — including his dismissal from Alder Hey and the circumstances of his death — remain subject to further investigation.

For years, the public knew him only as Doctor A.

Now they finally know his name.