The trial of a Walthamstow student nurse accused of raping two vulnerable patients at a mental health hospital has been called off due to Covid.

Ige Apata, 43, worked at Goodmayes Hospital, a mental health facility in Redbridge, last year and is alleged to have attacked two female inpatients in February and March.

His trial began at Snaresbrook Crown Court last week but, according to court staff, it was called off yesterday after a juror tested positive for Covid.

Apata, of Higham Hill Road, denies two counts of rape and two counts of sexual assault.

He has been granted bail ahead of a retrial on November 28 this year.