A UK-based Nigerian caregiver, Bilikesu Olagunju, has been sentenced for abusing an 88-year-old dementia patient, John Attard, at his home in Bexley, Kent. The disturbing incident was captured on hidden CCTV footage just a day before Mr Attard was found unresponsive and later died in hospital.
The footage, recorded on Christmas Eve 2022, showed Olagunju dragging the elderly man across the floor, stripping him in public view, threatening to beat him, and ignoring his cries for help. The abuse lasted 45 minutes, during which she poured marmalade into his coffee despite his diabetes and spilled hot coffee on him.
Olagunju had only been on the job for six days with Unique Personnel UK when the abuse occurred. She pleaded guilty to ill-treatment and was sentenced to six weeks in prison, suspended for 18 months, along with 50 hours of community service.
The next morning, Mr Attard was discovered by his son with injuries and was rushed to the hospital. He never regained consciousness and died ten days later. Although a post-mortem could not directly connect the abuse to his death, his family believes the trauma played a role.
Chris Attard, the victim’s son, said his father’s final days were filled with pain and fear and criticized the light sentence given to the caregiver. He also blamed the care agency, accusing them of sending an untrained worker to care for a vulnerable patient.
Judge Charlotte Welsh, who presided over the case, said it was unacceptable that Olagunju was assigned such a delicate case without proper training. She emphasized the dignity and respect owed to elderly patients and acknowledged the deep pain caused to the family.
Olagunju wept in court and, through her lawyer, expressed regret for her actions, claiming mental distress and lack of training. The care agency, Unique Personnel UK, has not responded publicly to the incident.
The case has sparked outrage and renewed calls for tighter regulations and accountability in the UK care system, especially for agencies handling vulnerable patients.
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