Lucy Letby, a convicted killer nurse serving 15 whole-life sentences, has found a companion in Beinash Batool, who was found guilty of the murder of 10-year-old Sara Sharif. Both incarcerated at HMP Bronzefield in Surrey, Europe’s largest women’s prison, they have bonded over games like Uno and chess.
The prison hosts a weekly chess club organized by Chess in Schools and Communities, with inmates participating in global prison online championships. Teams from HMP Bronzefield have achieved silver and bronze medals in recent competitions.
According to a source, the chess club at the prison has been a long-standing activity, promoting not only competition but also aiding in anger management and keeping inmates engaged. Letby and Batool have taken on the role of teaching chess to other inmates.
Beinash Batool, the stepmother of Sara Sharif, was convicted in 2024 for the murder of her stepdaughter and sentenced to a minimum of 33 years in prison. Lucy Letby, a former neonatal nurse, received 15 whole-life orders for the murder of seven infants and the attempted murder of eight others.
Reports suggest that Letby and Batool frequent the prison’s hair and beauty salon, with extra security measures in place during their visits. While Batool previously worked in the prison library, she now manages photocopying tasks in the chapel for Muslim and Christian prisoners, although she reportedly shows discontent with her responsibilities.
Both Letby and Batool are housed in House Block Four, where each cell has its own shower. The block primarily accommodates women serving life sentences for crimes such as child abuse and murder.
Described by fellow inmates as living a comfortable life within the prison, Letby enjoys indulging in junk food, watching TV, and taking on various roles for monetary gain. Senior officers at the prison praise their involvement in chess activities as beneficial for anger management and inmate engagement.
Concerns about Letby’s safety have led to her being accompanied by a guard at all times while moving within the prison premises. Despite being viewed as a model prisoner, staff are cautious around her due to threats made by other inmates.
Beinash Batool was convicted alongside her husband, Urfan Sharif, for the murder of Sara Sharif. The young girl was found deceased in her bed after her family had fled to Pakistan. The court determined that Sara was killed by her father and stepmother, with her uncle also implicated in the tragic event.
