By FARRAH JOHNSON
Tribune Staff Reporter
fjohnson@tribunemedia.net
THE trial of six women charged with child cruelty in connection with the beating of a number of wards at the Children’s Emergency Hostel was adjourned once again yesterday.
In February Eloise Canter, Carmetta Woods, Natasha Pratt, Occonelle Gordon, Sabrina Smith and Shawn Seymour appeared before Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson-Pratt charged with 11 counts of cruelty to children.
A surveillance video showing children being beaten in the care home went viral on social media in January. After the footage became public, a number of employees were “relieved of their duties” pending the outcome of a police investigation.
The former staff members are accused of unlawfully physically abusing nine boys and two girls in a way that caused them unnecessary suffering on September 22, 2020.
Seymour is further accused of failing to report the abuse of the minors — who range from ages seven to 11 — to the appropriate officials on the day in question.
All of the women denied the allegations and although the accused were told to return to court yesterday, the matter was further adjourned to December 16.
At that time, Magistrate Ferguson-Pratt will determine where the case will be heard.
Canter, Woods, Pratt, Smith, Seymour and Gordon all had their $9,500 bails extended until that time.
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