Nurses' manslaughter trial continues

Monday 09 September 2019

This week the trial of two former-mental health nurses will continue in Guernsey's Royal Court.

Rory McDermott, 31, and Naomi Prestidge, 30 have been jointly charged with manslaughter - something they have both pleaded not guilty to.

The charge arose after it was deemed they were responsible for the death of 22-year-old Lauren Ellis. 

The trial started last Monday, and at the time, was expected to last a number of weeks. Things kicked off with a prosecution opening speech, and since then, witnesses have taken to the stand.

Reporting restrictions are in place to prevent the publication of anything said in court until all of the evidence has been heard, however. This is to stop any of the witnesses being 'cross-contaminated'.

For now, Judge Russell Finch and nine of Guernsey's Jurats will be assessing the evidence to try and determine whether the nurses' "gross negligence" led to Ms Ellis' death in 2017. 

More to come... 

Pictured top: The entrance to the Royal Court of Guernsey.