Publication date:
The PPS has today confirmed decisions have been taken to prosecute individuals reported on one police file for offences alleged to have been committed at Cranfield Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit at Muckamore Abbey Hospital.
The police file reported seven individuals to the PPS for a range of offences including the alleged ill-treatment and wilful neglect of patients at the Unit.
PPS Assistant Director Martin Hardy said: “The PPS has taken a decision to prosecute seven individuals in relation to alleged ill-treatment of patients at Muckamore Abbey Hospital.
“This decision follows a thorough consideration of all the evidence in an investigation file received from police in April 2020.
“The seven individuals are being prosecuted for a range of offences including the alleged ill-treatment and wilful neglect of patients contrary to the Mental Health (Northern Ireland) Order 1986.
“We have written to the families of the affected patients this morning to inform them of the decisions.
“A second investigation file received from police in December 2020 in relation to alleged ill-treatment at the hospital remains under active consideration. Decisions will issue in due course after a thorough consideration of all the available evidence.
“We acknowledge how difficult this process has been for the patients and their families, and we recognise the great dignity that they have shown. We will continue to engage with them and ensure they are kept informed as the process continues.
“As proceedings will soon commence as regards the seven individuals, it would be inappropriate to comment any further.”
ENDS
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