Nigerian Former Care Worker Jailed for Eight Years Over Violent Robberies on Elderly Liverpool Patients

A former care worker has been jailed for eight years after committing a series of burglaries and violent robberies against six elderly and disabled victims across Liverpool.

Ediongseyene Essien, 32, of Hornby Road, Walton, appeared at Liverpool Crown Court via video link from HMP Liverpool. He was sentenced to three years for burglary and five years for robbery, to run consecutively, after pleading guilty to two counts of robbery, four counts of burglary and one count of fraud.

The court heard that Essien, a former postgraduate student, committed the offences after being suspended from Comfort Care on 9 March following theft allegations. The following day, he used key safe codes from his employment to target former patients in the L6 area.

Essien stole a bank card from a Tuebrook resident, entered the flat of a 74-year-old man, and searched a bedbound resident's accommodation in Anfield. At 9pm, he smashed the patio door of an elderly couple's home, stealing a wallet containing £200.

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After being arrested and released on conditional bail, Essien committed two further offences on 15 May. At 2.20pm, he forced entry into the home of a blind man with cerebral palsy, kicking the wheelchair user out of the way to steal £90. At 5pm in Fairfield, he violently snatched a handbag containing £40 and bank cards from a vulnerable woman using a walking stick.

Essien was arrested on 17 May and admitted the offences, citing homelessness, unemployment and alcohol misuse. Defending, Louise McCloskey said Essien was deeply remorseful and acting out of desperation.

Sentencing, Judge Stuart Driver KC condemned Essien for abusing his position of trust to target highly vulnerable individuals. Restraining orders were imposed for ten years and Essien will serve 30 per cent of his sentence before automatic deportation to Nigeria.