EIGHT workers at a Gwent care home are accused of failing in their duty to look after an elderly patient admitted to hospital with extensive injuries.

The accused are charged with wilfully neglecting Gladys Thomas, 84, who died in the Royal Gwent Hospital in 2005 just over four weeks after being transferred to the Bryngwyn Nursing Home in Newbridge.

Mrs Thomas suffered from schizophrenia, dementia and was not able to talk properly.

The pensioner was admitted to the Royal Gwent Hospital on October 19 for the second time after staff at the care home called an ambulance reporting she was suffering from breathing difficulties.

But on admission staff at the hospital found she had suffered a fractured right collarbone, bruising to the abdomen, chest and lower back as well as marks on her forearm which the prosecution said were consistent with ligature marks.

Evan Green, 45, of Gaynors, Fairwater, Cwmbran, Angela Johnson, 47, of Hector Avenue, Crumlin, Shibu Joseph, 32, of Gaer Park Drive, Newport, Ebenezer Ajiwe, 48, of Woodland Terrace, Abercarn, John Ajewol, 53, of Victoria Terrace, Abercarn, Peter Booth, 45, of Pen-y-Fan Close, Pentwyn, Crumlin, Tahir Hayat, 30, of Coldra Road, Newport, and Debra Richards, 45, of Brynawel, Bedwas, all deny wilfully neglecting the patient.

Proceeding.