Care worker remanded in custody on murder charge

A care worker has been remanded in custody charged with attempted murder and making threats to kill.

Melissa Swift, who was charged by West Midlands Police after staff and residents at a care home reported food poisoning-type symptoms, is expected to face trial in January.

Swift, of Hambletts Road, West Bromwich, was arrested on August 4 after several people were taken ill at the town’s Goldfield Court extra care unit.

Dressed in a white shirt, black cardigan and blue jeans, Swift made no application for bail during a hearing at Birmingham Crown Court.

The 23-year-old has yet to enter a plea to a charge of attempting to murder Amy Garbett on July 31 and making threats to kill Lulla Swift on July 2.

Judge Melbourne Inman QC adjourned the case until a plea hearing on December 5.

The court heard Swift’s trial may last for up to five weeks and is expected to begin on January 12 next year.

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