UK-based Nigerian carer caught on camera sbusing 88-year-old dementia patient days before his death

A troubling incident has surfaced in the United Kingdom involving a Nigerian caregiver, Bilikesu Olagunju, who was captured on hidden camera physically assaulting John Attard, an 88-year-old dementia patient. This occurred just days before the elderly man's death.

The startling incident of abuse occurred in Bexley, Kent on Christmas Eve 2022—just six days after Olagunju started her position as a care worker. The assault was revealed when the victim's son, Chris Attard, installed a hidden camera in his father's home out of concern for his wellbeing, according to Mail Online.

The video showed a terrible scene: Olagunju was seen forcefully stripping the fragile man, disregarding his cries of pain and even threatening to beat him at one point. The elderly Attard, visibly upset, could be heard repeatedly saying to her, "You're hurting me."

In the video, she was heard making threats: "Perhaps I'll harm you. I will whip you. I'm taking you to see a doctor for injections. I'll report you to the police."

The video also showed her adding marmalade to the elderly man's coffee, even though she knew he was diabetic. In another instance, she can be seen pulling him by the arm and collar, clearly causing him discomfort and distress.

On Christmas morning, Mr. Attard was found unresponsive with blood on his face. He was taken to the hospital but remained unconscious and passed away ten days later.

Olagunju, who was an employee of Unique Personnel UK, later admitted guilt to a charge of ill-treatment or willful neglect involving a person lacking mental capacity.

She received a sentence of six weeks in prison, suspended for 18 months, from Woolwich Crown Court in south-east London and was also mandated to complete 50 hours of unpaid work.

After the sentencing, Chris Attard called the punishment an "insult," expressing his belief that her actions were directly connected to his father's death, even though a post-mortem examination could not conclusively verify this.

He mentioned that without those cameras, the person might still be mistreating elderly people.

I anticipated receiving a suspended sentence, but the duration and inclusion of community service feels insulting. How is that supposed to be a deterrent?