SEVEN people are to be prosecuted over a PSNI inquiry into allegations of abuse of patients at Muckamore Abbey Hospit in Co Antrim.

Head of the PSNI’s Public Protection Branch, Detective Chief Superintendent Anthony McNally, said: “The decision by the Public Prosecution Service to prosecute seven people for a range of offences in connection with the alleged ill-treatment of patients at Muckamore Abbey Hospital today is significant progress in this police investigation.

“This has been a very detailed and complex investigation and we will continue to work closely with the PPS, who have written to the families involved to make them aware of the decision to prosecute seven people for a range of offences including ill-treatment and wilful neglect contrary to the Mental Health (Northern Ireland) Order 1986.

“Our specially trained officers will continue to provide support to the families whose loved ones are at the centre of this investigation.  

“From the outset we have been committed to working closely with them, with the aim of keeping them as informed as much as we possibly can and we will continue to do so. 

“The protection of our most vulnerable is a priority for the Police Service of Northern Ireland.”