Care home worker accused of neglect

A CARE home worker has appeared before magistrates accused of mistreating nine mentally-ill residents.

Vikki Unsworth, 38, is charged with nine counts of wilfully neglecting or ill-treating patients at the Ridgeway House Care Home, in Station Town near Wingate.

Unsworth, of Cummings Square, Wingate, is said to have committed the alleged offences in a period between April 1, 2007, and January 1, 2009.

She did not enter a plea when she appeared at Peterlee Magistrates’ Court.

Magistrates declined jurisdiction and granted Unsworth unconditional bail until she returns to the court on February 2, when proceedings will be transferred to Durham Crown Court.