Probation for psyche aide in nail-swallowing case

ALLENTOWN, Pa. (AP) — A former Pennsylvania mental hospital worker who showed a patient how to swallow nails has been sentenced to two years of probation.

Athena Marie Sidlar, a former Allentown State Hospital aide trainee, apologized at her sentencing today.

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.