Three hospital employees are pleading not guilty to the involuntary homicide of a patient who choked on a piece of chicken while in hospital.

They are chief nurse Maria Bondin, 57, from Paola, nursing aide Carol Bonnici, 55, from Siġġiewi and nurse David Sant, 30, from Għargħur.

Dementia patient John Darmanin was found dead in the toilets of Karen Grech hospital on March 7, 2012.

He was on a strict diet of fluids and soft foods after having suffered a stroke. And even though there were instructions for him to be supervised and assisted while eating on his bed, he was given solid food despite the, Police Inspector Geoffrey Azzopardi said.

In a judicial letter filed in December, the patient’s wife held the hospital responsible for the death, which she said was the result of negligence because staff failed to abide by the instructions.

Lawyers Stefano Filletti appeared for the family while lawyer Lucio Sciriha appeared for Ms Bondin, lawyer Steve Tonna Lowell for Ms Bonnici and lawyer Kris Scicluna for Mr Sant.

The case continues.