Woman in mental health unit pleads 'not guilty' to attempted murder of care home resident

A 68-year-old woman has pleaded ‘not guilty’ to the attempted murder of a resident at a care home in Burtonwood, Warrington.

Marie Seyferth denied the charges of attempted murder and possession of an offensive weapon at Liverpool Crown Court on Monday, via a video link from Guild Lodge, a medium secure mental health unit in Preston.

Police were called to St Mary’s Care Centre shortly before 1pm on 18 May last year, following an attack in which Elizabeth McGowan was stabbed multiple times in the back, neck and face.

Management at the care home, which provides care for people with dementia and acquired brain injuries, launched an investigation after the incident.

At the time, Deborah Wareing, care centre manager, said: “We can confirm an incident occurred on May 18.

“Staff immediately responded to avoid serious harm following an assault. All care was and continues to be provided for the service users and a police investigation is under way.”

Cheshire police said Ms McGowan, now aged 70, was taken to Aintree hospital following the incident, and has since returned to St Mary’s.

According to the Liverpool Echo, the defendant denied attempted murder and having an object with a blade or sharp point. She spoke only to confirm her personal details and to enter not guilty pleas during the hearing.

Prosecutor Anya Horwood said a four-day trial will take place at Liverpool Crown Court in February next year.