An Armagh care worker has been returned for trial on multiple counts of ill- treatment or patients.
Appearing for a committed hearing was Ciara Corvan (27) from Cathedrals View who faces nine counts of ill-treating or wilfully neglecting five patients – three females and two males.
Offending is alleged to have occurred at the Bluestone Unit at Craigavon Area Hospital on various dates between October 6, 2022 and August 8, 2023.
A prosecuting lawyer told Craigavon Magistrates’ Court there is a case to answer which was agreed by District Judge Michael Ranaghan.
No details surrounding the circumstances of the alleged offences were disclosed during the short hearing, nor was there any explanation as to why the case took almost two years to reach court.
Corvan spoke only to confirm her identity and that she understood the charges against her.
She declined to call witnesses or give evidence on her own behalf at this stage.
A defence barrister applied for Legal Aid pointing out Corvan has been suspended from her employment as a result of the allegations.
This was granted by Judge Ranaghan who remarked the case file made “very difficult reading”.
He remanded Corvan on £300 bail to appear for arraignment at Craigavon Crown Court on a date to be fixed in September.
