West Bromwich care worker in court over murder bid case
A care worker accused of poisoning food at a West Bromwich residential home has appeared in court charged with attempted murder.
Melissa Swift, 23, of Hambletts Road, West Bromwich, is accused of attempting to kill colleague Amy Garbett at Goldfield Court, in Dartmouth Street, West Bromwich, on July 31.
Swift is further charged with threatening to kill Lula Swift on July 2.
The defendant, who sobbed throughout the proceedings at Sandwell Magistrates' Court yesterday, spoke only to confirm her address and date of birth. Dressed in a black jumper and burgundy cardigan, she sat flanked by two security guards.
Magistrates adjourned the case to September 17, when she will appear before Birmingham Crown Court for a plea and case management hearing.
No application was made for bail, and Swift was remanded in custody.
Swift was arrested after 16 staff and residents – including one in their 90s – were taken ill at Goldfield Court.
West Midlands Police were alerted to the problem at the old people's home on August 4 and Swift was arrested later that day.
Four elderly residents were rushed to hospital at around 8.20pm on August 5 after suffering diarrhoea and vomiting.
A West Midlands Police spokesman said: "The 23-year-old was arrested on August 4, after police were informed that several people at Goldfield Court in West Bromwich had been taken ill with food poisoning type symptoms, with several requiring hospital treatment. All those taken ill have made a good recovery and there have been no further cases reported since the launch of the police investigation."
Goldfield Court is described as 'extra care housing' for older people. There are 93 flats at the site, run by Housing & Care 21 in partnership with Sandwell Council. In a statement issued on its website, Housing & Care 21 confirmed a care worker had been suspended.
It said: "Housing and Care 21 can confirm that a care worker has been suspended from Goldfield independent living scheme in West Bromwich.
"Our thoughts are with both residents and staff at the Goldfield community and we will ensure they are fully supported during this difficult time."
