Two women accused of attacking a patient in hospital's intensive care unit are released on bail

Two women charged with attacking a patient in intensive care at Altnagelvin Hospital were today released on bail.

The judge was told that a member of staff had to cover the patient's head to protect him from the attack on January 4 this year.

Bridget Mongan, 23, and 29-year-old Eileen Stokes were both charged with grievous bodily harm with intent.

Patrick Stokes was being treated for serious head and spinal injuries when he was allegedly attacked.

Defendant Bridget Mongan, from Stanley's Walk in Derry, and Eileen Stokes, from Mourne Park in Newtownstewart, County Tyrone, were further charged with assaulting two nurses and a doctor, and with disorderly behaviour.

The two women were released on bail today at a hearing at Derry Magistrates Court.

They were ordered not to enter any hospitals in Northern Ireland, unless it was for an emergency for themselves.

The court was told that Patrick Stokes has since been released from hospital.