Lucy Letby told a colleague she could give him “tips” on how to get away with murder, a public inquiry heard.

The child serial killer exchanged WhatsApp messages with union representative Hayley Griffiths in 2017 about US legal drama How To Get Away With Murder.

The row comes a year after the neonatal nurse was removed from clerical duties at the Countess of Chester Hospital over concerns she may have deliberately harmed babies.

In a message letbyMs Griffiths wrote: “I’m currently watching a program called How to Get Away with Murder. I’m learning some good tips.”

Letby replied: “I could give you some tips x”

Ms Griffiths said: “I need someone to practice with to see if I can get out of this.”

Letby wrote: “I can think of two people you can practice with who will help you cover this up x”

Miss Griffiths replied: “Deal. I’ll start thinking of a plan. Book the cruise as our getaway.”

The pair worked in the hospital’s risk and patient safety department a year before Letby was arrested by Cheshire Police on suspicion of multiple murders.

Ms Griffiths said she was aware of foul play concerns and the link to Letby as of September 2016.

Shahram Sharghy, representing some families of Letby victims, asked: “Given the seriousness of the allegations, and would you accept that these are the most serious allegations that can be made against a healthcare professional, when you are talking about potentially committing a criminal offence?”

Mrs Griffiths replied: “No.”

Mr Sharghy asked: “Can you start to imagine the families of the babies being harmed and put yourself in their shoes when they see these messages?”

Ms Griffiths said: “I know… I’m so sorry. I was upset as soon as I saw them and I can’t imagine… I can only apologize and say I’ve learned. I can’t go back in time but I’ve definitely thought about it.”

Read more from the investigation:
‘Cold’ Lucy Letby fails final year student nurse placement
‘Breathing tubes became dislodged’ during Letby shifts
Nurses working with Letby were ‘thinking the unthinkable’

Earlier, Ms Griffiths told investigating solicitor Rachel Langdale KC: “This was nothing more than a conversation. However, I truly and deeply regret initiating this protection… it is completely unprofessional, a poor decision on my part And completely insensitive, and for that I can only apologize from the bottom of my heart.”

Letby, 34, from Hereford, currently serves 15 lifetime orders.

He was found guilty at Manchester Crown Court of murdering seven babies and attempting to murder six more between June 2015 and June 2016.

The Thirlwall Inquiry into the events surrounding his crimes is expected to continue until early 2015. The findings are expected to emerge in late autumn of that year.