Probation for aide in nail-swallowing case

ALLENTOWN, Pa. (AP) - October 8, 2009

Former Allentown State Hospital aide trainee Athena Marie Sidlar apologized at her sentencing Thursday.

Sidlar says she has bipolar disorder and swallows nails and other metal objects. She says the hospital knew about her disorder when they hired her.

Sidlar pleaded guilty to reckless endangerment in August. She admitted to giving nails to an 18-year-old female patient and showing her how to swallow them. Four nails had to be removed from the teen's stomach.

Lehigh County Judge Maria Dantos ordered Sidlar not to seek employment at a psychiatric facility.

---

Information from: The Morning Call, http://www.mcall.com

Copyright © 2024 WPVI-TV. All Rights Reserved.