Former mental health nurse convicted of ill-treating patient at Muckamore Abbey Hospital is sentenced
A former mental health nurse at Muckmaore Abbey Hospital in Antrim convicted of ill-treatment of a patient has received a suspended jail sentence.
Maria Teresa Kelly (66), of Newal Road in Ballymoney, had previously contested the charge relating to May 1, 2017. She had been convicted at the contest and was at Antrim Magistrates Court, sitting in Ballymena on Tuesday, for sentencing.
A prosecutor said there was CCTV of a hospital incident. The court was told a patient approached the defendant and "grabbed out" at her arm. She stepped back. He grabbed out again and she "dodges" the grab and "then presents as if she is trying to reason with him".
The patient then put his hands behind his back. The defendant went closer and was seen to "grab out" with her hand "holding his clothing at his chest and shakes him twice".
The defendant had a clear record. A defence lawyer said he defendant had worked for over 40 years as a nurse in "very challenging environments" and there was not a single "black mark" against her until the incident before the court.
He said she retired in 2021 and three references from former colleagues described her as "compassionate and caring".
District Judge Nigel Broderick said he recognised that before the conviction the defendant was a person of "good character".
Members of the victim's family were present in court and the judge said he hoped the defendant had reflected on the "very moving and detailed " statement from the victim's sister.
The judge said the victim was "vulnerable" and was "essentially at the mercy of those who were charged with his treatment". The judge said violence can be displayed by patients towards staff and it is a "difficult job".
Judge Broderick told the defendant that on May 1, 2017, "in my view you lost your composure, something perhaps snapped inside you, and you did behave inappropriately".
A pre-sentence report said the defendant was "not an ideal candidate" for Probation or Community Service because of her own "health difficulties".
The judge took into account her clear record and "significant delay" in the matter coming to court. He handed down a five months prison term, suspended for two years.
The defendant was given bail in the sum of £500 to appeal the conviction and sentence.