In prison, convicted killer nurse Lucy Letby has found a pastime by engaging in games of Uno and chess with another murderer, Beinash Batool, the stepmother of 10-year-old Sara Sharif. Both serving time at HMP Bronzefield in Surrey, the largest women’s prison in Europe, the pair connected over their mutual enjoyment of games, initially bonding over Uno and later delving into chess.
A charity called Chess in Schools and Communities runs a weekly club at the prison, where inmates participate in global prison online championships. Teams from HMP Bronzefield have even earned silver and bronze medals in recent competitions.
According to a source, the prison has long promoted chess, fostering a competitive chess club. Letby and Batool have taken on the role of teaching the game to other inmates. The activity not only aids in anger management but also keeps the prisoners occupied, with the duo excelling due to their intelligence.
Despite potential concerns from victims’ families, prison staff aim to maintain peace by providing activities for inmates. Letby and Batool, who share a close friendship, have transitioned from playing Uno to focusing more on chess.
Batool, sentenced to life in prison for the murder of Sara Sharif, had previously worked in the prison library and now manages tasks in the chapel, including photocopying materials for Muslim and Christian prisoners. Although her current role is deemed effortless, reports suggest Batool is discontent with the job.
Letby and Batool are housed in House Block Four, where each cell includes a private shower. The block primarily accommodates women serving life sentences for crimes such as child murder and pedophilia.
Fellow inmates describe Letby’s prison life as comfortable, as she indulges in junk food, watches daytime TV, and takes on new responsibilities within the facility. Senior officers appreciate the positive impact of chess on Letby and Batool, emphasizing its role in anger management and engagement for the inmates.
Letby reportedly avoids walking the prison corridors alone, fearing potential attacks, and is always escorted by a guard. Despite the staff’s apprehensions towards Letby, she receives special treatment, including family visits in a designated room.
The article also mentions Batool’s conviction alongside her husband, Urfan Sharif, for Sara’s murder and the involvement of her uncle, Faisal Malik, in the case. Sara was found dead in her bed after her family fled to Pakistan.
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