TWO carers are set to stand trial accused of neglecting care home patients.

In separate alleged incidents, Kofi Annan, 41, is accused of neglecting Laurie Harris, a patient in his care, while James Awode, 43, is accused of neglecting Richard Bryant.

Both alleged incidents took place in residential care homes in north Essex.

Awode, of Harvard Court, in Colchester, is accused of pushing brain injury victim Mr Bryant to the floor before landing a single punch on him while he was on the ground on May 28 last year.

Hendrika Tatum, prosecuting, said: "The defendant has pushed the victim, causing him to fall to the ground.

"The victim then receives a single punch to the head."

The court heard the incident had been captured on CCTV.

The carer denies one count of wilfully neglecting an individual and will stand trial at Colchester Magistrates' Court in the summer.

Annan, of Vane Court, Witham, is accused of shouting at Mr Harris, who suffers from the rare Angelman Syndrome, before pushing him to the floor and slapping him on the head on January 31.

Mr Harris also injured his knee when he fell to the floor.

His condition means he cannot communicate other than through limited sign language.

Mrs Tatum said: "The defendant was caring for a patient who lacks mental capacity.

"He was seen shouting at the victim and pushing him to the floor and gave slaps to his head."

Annan denies one charge of wilfully neglecting a person without capacity.

He was given unconditional bail and will stand trial at the same court on July 15.

The men appeared separately at Colchester Magistrates' Court yesterday.

Their cases are unrelated.