THREE former care workers have denied neglect and ill-treatment of residents at a home for people with dementia.

All three defendants, two of whom live in Worcester, entered not guilty pleas following the alleged abuse at Willow Bank care home in Throckmorton, near Pershore when they appeared at Worcester Crown Court yesterday.

Derek Mead, aged 51, of Gillam Street, Worcester, denied ill-treatment or neglect of a person who lacked capacity which is said by the prosecution to have taken place on February 8, last year and between January 7 and March 13 last year.

Cheryl Dudley, aged 47, of Gillam Street, Worcester, denied two offences of ill-treatment/neglect of a person who lacked capacity between January 7 and February 24 and between April 4, 2017 and February 24 last year.

Anna Davies, 35, of St Lawrence Road, Evesham, denied four 'like' or similar offences of ill-treatment/neglect of someone who lacked capacity between January 7 and March 13 last year, between January 7 and February 24, between April 4, 2017 and February 24 last year.

Michael Aspinall, prosecuting, said none of the complainants would be appearing as witnesses, telling the court: "Some have sadly died. Some don't have capacity."

The Recorder of Worcester, Judge Robert Juckes QC, adjourned the case for a trial set to take place on July 13 next year.

The time estimate for the trial is 10 days.

A pre-trial hearing will take place on June 18 next year to discuss 'trial readiness'. The defendants will not be required to attend the pre-trial hearing unless they wish to do so but trial counsel will be expected to attend.

Although Mr Aspinall appeared for the Crown, Siobhan Collins is expected to prosecute the case at trial.

At the short administrative hearing, Glenn Cook appeared on behalf of Mead, Fiona Elder on behalf of Davies and Suzanne Francis for Dudley.

All clients were granted unconditional bail.