A HEALTHCARE assistant has appeared in court accused of stealing gold jewellery and cash from patients.

Sophie McGarry, 21, of Howe Road, Norton, faces 13 allegations of theft, including theft by finding and one charge of theft in a dwelling between March 1 last year and October 4 when she was working at Scarborough Hospital.

McGarry, who did not enter a plea when she appeared at Scarborough Magistrates’ Court, is accused of stealing a total of £345 in cash from staff, visitors and patients staying on various wards at the hospital, including the stroke unit.

She is accused of stealing jewellery including a gold belcher chain, a gold Krugerrand coin and a gold curb bracelet worth a total of £2,820.

The court was told that McGarry is alleged to have stolen the items, including cigarettes, from staff, visitors and patients as they slept in their hospital beds.

Appearing alongside her was Liam Andrews, 24, of Bracewell Street, Burnley, who is accused of handling stolen goods on October 5 last year, namely the gold curb bracelet worth £1,100 which McGarry is accused of stealing. He did not enter a plea.

The pair will appear at York Crown Court on Monday, July 7 over the accusations. Both were given bail until then.

McGarry is currently suspended from her role at Scarborough Hospital pending both the outcome of the court case, and an internal NHS probe.