Graphic CCTV footage has ignited public anger after showing Nigerian caregiver Bilikesu Olagunju, 42, violently assaulting 88-year-old dementia patient John Attard inside his home in Bexley, Kent. The shocking incident, which happened on Christmas Eve 2022 during a routine 45-minute care visit, was secretly recorded by the victim’s son, Chris Attard, who had installed cameras after noticing signs of previous neglect.
During the brutal encounter, Olagunju, who had been employed by Unique Personnel UK for just six days, stripped the frail great-grandfather, dragged him across the floor, and repeatedly threatened him with physical harm. Ignoring Mr. Attard’s desperate cries of “You’re hurting me,” she was heard shouting: “Maybe I will beat you up… I will flog you… I will take you to the GP to get injections… I will call the police on you.”
The following morning, December 25, 2022, Mr. Attard was found unresponsive by family members, with blood trickling down the side of his face. He was rushed to the hospital but tragically never regained consciousness, passing away 10 days later. The family maintains that the abuse he suffered was a contributing factor to his death.
Woolwich Crown Court in south-east London heard the case on Thursday, June 26, 2025, where Olagunju pleaded guilty to one count of ill-treating or willfully neglecting a person in her care under the Health and Social Care Act. Despite the gravity of the abuse, she was sentenced to just six weeks in prison—suspended for 18 months—and ordered to complete 50 hours of unpaid community service.
Chris Attard, speaking after the sentencing, described the court’s decision as “a total insult” to his late father’s memory. Fighting back tears, he said: “My father deserved better in his final days. Watching that footage destroyed me. This sentence sends the wrong message to carers who abuse their power.”
Social media platforms erupted with fury following the verdict, with thousands using hashtags like #JusticeForJohn, #StopCareAbuse, and #ElderlyLivesMatter to demand stricter punishment for caregivers found guilty of abuse. Human rights groups have also called for a review of sentencing guidelines in care abuse cases, labeling the court’s decision as a miscarriage of justice.
As the disturbing footage continues to circulate online, campaigners are now urging the UK government to strengthen care home oversight, implement stricter vetting processes for caregivers, and introduce stiffer penalties for offenders found guilty of elder abuse.
