A Nigerian care worker has been jailed for eight years in the UK after robbing and burgling elderly and vulnerable people, including some of those he had previously cared for.
Ediongseyene Essien, 32, targeted people who were among the most vulnerable in society, with one victim a blind wheelchair user with cerebral palsy.
In that case, Essien kicked the man out of his way before taking his bank card.
In another incident, he broke through the back door of a terrified couple in their 80s and stole their money.
Essien was suspended by his employers after serious allegations of theft were made against him.
The court sentenced him to three years in prison for burglary and a further five years for robbery, bringing his total sentence to eight years.
He is expected to serve about 30% of the sentence before being deported from the UK.
The cases have highlighted the particular vulnerability of elderly and disabled people who depend on carers for support and, in some circumstances, allow them into their homes.
Essien’s victims included people who had trusted him to provide care, making the offences particularly distressing for those affected.
