ICO Decision Notice: Lucy Letby Case FOI Request Not Vexatious

ICO Decision Notices

Filed February 17th, 2026

Detected February 26th, 2026

Summary

The UK's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) issued a decision notice stating that a Freedom of Information (FOI) request concerning the Lucy Letby case was not vexatious. Cheshire Constabulary is required to provide a fresh response to the complainant.

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What changed

The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has determined that a Freedom of Information (FOI) request related to the Lucy Letby case is not vexatious under section 14(1) of FOIA. The decision notice, dated February 17, 2026, specifically addresses a request for information about a pre-verdict briefing.

Cheshire Constabulary is mandated to provide the complainant with a new response to their request, explicitly excluding any reliance on the vexatious request exemption. This action requires the police force to re-evaluate and re-issue their response, ensuring compliance with FOIA provisions.

What to do next

Provide complainant with a fresh response to their FOI request, not relying on section 14(1) of FOIA.

Source document (simplified)

Chief Constable Cheshire Constabulary

Date 17 February 2026
Sector Police and criminal justice
Decision(s) FOI 14(1): Upheld The Commissioner’s decision is that the complainant’s request for information about a pre-verdict briefing associated with the Lucy Letby case isn’t a vexatious request under section 14(1) of FOIA. Cheshire Constabulary must take the following step to ensure compliance with the legislation: Provide the complainant with a fresh response to their request that doesn’t rely on section 14(1) of FOIA.