A nurse accused of branding dementia patients “disgusting” and threatening to strangle a woman with a scarf is must wait to learn the outcome of her disciplinary hearing.

Christina Cooper is said to have abused four patients at the Connaught Care Home in Fulford , York.

Among the allegations are claims she shoved a patient’s soiled sheet in his face and and called another an “animal”.

The charges relate to a period between October and November 2009 while she was employed at the home by the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution.

Cooper, who denies the charges, had been facing a central London hearing at Nursing and Midwifery Council, but the case was adjourned before a misconduct panel could retire to consider the charges.

The proceedings will resume on a date to be fixed in October.

If found guilty, Cooper would face a sanction ranging from a formal written warning to being permanently struck off the nursing register.