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Muckamore Hospital Abuse: Final Report Due Thursday
17 Jun
Summary
- Muckamore Abbey Hospital to publish final inquiry report on Thursday.
- Dozens of adults faced abuse allegations during their time there.
- Police have reported 124 individuals for prosecution in connection.
The final report of the Muckamore public inquiry into the abuse of adults at Muckamore Abbey Hospital is scheduled for publication on Thursday. This inquiry has investigated allegations concerning dozens of individuals who were patients at the facility in County Antrim, which opened in 1949.
Laura Sharp's story highlights the alleged mistreatment, as she resided at the hospital for over 17 years. Her parents noted signs of abuse and a lack of diagnosis for her autism until she was 40. The hospital is currently undergoing a planned closure.
A separate police investigation, initiated in 2017, has examined thousands of hours of CCTV footage. The Police Service of Northern Ireland has reported 124 individuals to the Public Prosecution Service, leading to 58 prosecution directions. To date, three individuals have been prosecuted, with others at various court stages.
The inquiry, chaired by Tom Kark QC, began in June 2022. Families express a loss of faith in the social care system but await the report's findings. The barrister for the families stated that the abuse was widespread and that senior positions may have been aware.
