Publication date:
The PPS has taken a decision to prosecute a further seven individuals reported by police for offences alleged to have been committed at Muckamore Abbey Hospital in Antrim.
The police file reported seven individuals for consideration in relation to its investigations into the alleged ill treatment of patients at Muckamore Abbey Hospital. A range of offences will be prosecuted including ill-treatment, wilful neglect, making a false entry and false imprisonment.
This brings the number of individuals prosecuted in relation to the Muckamore Abbey investigation to a total of 15.
PPS Assistant Director Martin Hardy said: “The PPS has taken a decision to prosecute a further seven individuals in relation to alleged ill-treatment of patients at Muckamore Abbey Hospital.
“This decision follows a thorough consideration of all the evidence contained in the file received from police in relation to its investigation into the medical facility.
“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.
“The prosecutorial consideration of these matters has been complex and we sincerely thank the affected families for their engagement with us. They have been made aware of all key developments by the PPS.”
Notes to Editors:
- Each of the seven defendants has been issued with a summons for first appearance at Antrim Magistrates Court on 5th November 2024.
- Offences of ill-treatment, wilful neglect and making a false entry are contrary to the Mental Health (NI) Order 1986 and false imprisonment is contrary to common law.
- In relation to the decisions to prosecute eight separate individuals at an earlier stage, these proceedings remain live.
- As proceedings are live or to be commenced, the PPS would ask that there is no reporting, commentary or sharing of information on-line from other parties which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.