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A former consultant psychiatrist and clinical director at Muckamore Abbey Hospital was “absolutely horrified” by allegations of abuse of patients, an inquiry has heard.

Dr Colin Milliken described his “shock, anger and despair” at the revelations, but said he had never been aware of any poor treatment or abuse of patients.

He told a public inquiry he was “heartbroken” by the allegations, which emerged in 2017.

He said some of the patients said to be affected had been under his direct care, but he could not put a figure on how many.

When asked by a member of the inquiry panel whether he was surprised that he didn’t pick up on the alleged mistreatment of some of his patients, he said: “Yes, it shocks me.”

Dr Milliken was asked how it could have been the case that allegations did not filter through to him.

He told the panel: “That’s obviously something, Mr Chairman, I’ve reflected at length about, and I’m not sure that I can answer that.”

He said he was not on the relevant ward all the time.

Dr Milliken said as clinical director he had responsibility for doctors but not for other staff such as nurses or healthcare assistants.

Dr Milliken held the post of clinical director between 2005 and 2018.

Muckamore Abbey Hospital is run by the Belfast Health Trust and provides facilities for adults with special needs.

The inquiry is examining allegations of abuse at the hospital outside Antrim.

A major police investigation began in 2017 after allegations of ill-treatment began to emerge.