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A further seven people are to be prosecuted over offences alleged to have been committed at Muckamore Abbey Hospital in Antrim.

It is part of an ongoing investigation into the treatment of patients at the facility.

The Public Prosecution Service (PPS) said the alleged offences include ill-treatment, wilful neglect, making a false entry, and false imprisonment.

They are due to appear before Antrim Magistrates' Court on 5 November.

The PPS said this brings to 15 the number of individuals prosecuted in relation to the Muckamore Abbey investigation.

Its assistant director, Martin Hardy, said: "The PPS has taken a decision to prosecute a further seven individuals in relation to alleged ill-treatment of patients at Muckamore Abbey Hospital.

"This decision follows a thorough consideration of all the evidence contained in the file received from police in relation to its investigation into the medical facility.

"The seven individuals are being prosecuted for a range of offences, including the alleged ill-treatment and wilful neglect of patients contrary to the Mental Health (Northern Ireland) Order 1986.

"The prosecutorial consideration of these matters has been complex and we sincerely thank the affected families for their engagement with us.

"They have been made aware of all key developments by the PPS."