A healthcare assistant has been sentenced for the ill-treatment of dementia patients by taking and sharing degrading photographs and videos, in what police describe as the first prosecution of its kind in Northern Ireland.

Ciara Corvan, 28, from Armagh, was given a two-year probation order and 100 hours of community service at Craigavon Crown Court. She admitted seven counts of ill-treatment of patients under the Mental Health (NI) Order 1986.

The offences occurred between October 2022 and August 2023 at the Bluestone Hospital Dementia Unit in Craigavon. Corvan used her mobile phone to film and photograph four patients with advanced dementia, then sent the material to colleagues via a social media messaging app along with mocking commentary.

A referral from the Southern Health and Social Care Trust in August 2023 prompted a joint safeguarding investigation by PSNI detectives and trust social workers. A forensic examination of Corvan’s phone uncovered additional victims. All victims lacked the capacity to consent.

The sentencing judge told Corvan she had breached a position of trust. The court heard that families expect loved ones in care to be treated with respect and dignity. Four of the victims have since died.

Victim impact statements said the abuse had deepened the families’ grief and undermined their confidence in the care system.

In a collective statement after the hearing, the families said their relatives could not speak for themselves and that the actions were a gross violation of their human rights. They urged anyone in a position of trust to reflect on how they would want their own family members to be treated.

Detective Chief Inspector Claire McDonald said the victims were among the most vulnerable in society and that Corvan had exploited their lack of capacity for her own entertainment. She said the outcome should serve as a deterrent.

The Southern Health and Social Care Trust said patient safety was its highest priority and that staff were expected to uphold the highest standards of care and professionalism. It said it took immediate action to remove the staff member and has supported the families throughout.