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300 hours of Muckamore CCTV footage to be viewed

PA Media A sign that says Muckamore Abbey Hospital in gold writing on a white wall. PA Media
The hospital provides treatment for people with severe learning disabilities and mental health needs

Lawyers for seven people charged with the ill treatment of patients at Muckamore Abbey Hospital have more than 300 hours of CCTV footage to view before the case can continue.

Since allegations of abuse began to emerge in 2017, a number of people have been arrested and several staff have been suspended from their jobs.

Three men and four women, are charged with false imprisonment of mental health patients, with wilful neglect or ill treatment of the complainants and falsifying entries on a medical health document, all alleged to have been committed between 25 April and 3 September 2017.

Eight other defendants are currently awaiting trial.

The case against each of the seven latest defendants had been listed for a preliminary enquiry which would have seen their cases elevated to the Crown Court but defence lawyers asked for that to be adjourned as they examine the evidence.

The judge adjourned the case to 11 February.

The defendants are:

  • Sean Francis Black, 63, Moylena Meadows in Antrim - 26 charges, seven complainants;
  • Sean Bryce, 47, Alderpark in Antrim - 20 charges, four complainants;
  • Claire Dobbin, 48, Moylena Grove, Antrim - 6 charges, four complainants;
  • Leanne Hall, 34, Featherbed Glade, enniskillen - 26 charges, five complainants;
  • Tara Lally, 30, Chestnutt Meadows, Ballynahinch - 17 charges, six complainants;
  • Patrick McAllister, 29, Harmoney Park, Drumaness - 34 charges, seven complainants and
  • Elizabeth McKevitt, 41, Millhouse Avenue, Antrim - nine charges, six complainants.