A 32-year-old Nigerian care worker, Ediongseyene Essien, has been sentenced to eight years in prison for a series of burglaries and robberies targeting elderly and disabled individuals in Liverpool, United Kingdom. The sentencing took place at Liverpool Crown Court on August 28, 2026, where Essien received a three-year sentence for burglary and an additional five years for robbery, which will be served consecutively.

Essien, who resided on Hornby Road in Walton, was previously employed as a carer until March 9, 2026, when he was suspended due to allegations of theft. Just a day later, he committed multiple offences against vulnerable individuals, including four burglaries in the L6 area. His victims included a blind man from whom he stole a bank card and used for various transactions.

In a disturbing pattern of behaviour, Essien also entered the bedroom of another elderly resident without stealing anything, and later that evening, he broke into the home of a severely disabled person, again without taking items. However, he escalated his criminal activity by smashing the rear patio door of an elderly couple's home and stealing a wallet containing cash.

The situation worsened on May 15, 2026, when Essien committed two more robbery offences. He forcefully entered the home of a vulnerable man suffering from multiple health issues, taking cash from the living room. Later that day, he approached a woman using a walking stick and forcibly grabbed her handbag, stealing cash and bank cards.

Essien was arrested on May 17 and charged with these offences, leading to his remand in custody. Following the sentencing, Detective Inspector Kevin O'Rourke expressed his dismay at Essien's actions, stating, "Essien committed a series of reprehensible burglary and robbery offences against people he had previously cared for, and other vulnerable victims. It is frankly beyond comprehension for someone with this job to go on and target those same people."

O'Rourke emphasized the emotional distress caused to the victims and highlighted the importance of community vigilance, encouraging anyone with information about suspicious activities to report to the authorities. Essien is expected to serve 30% of his sentence before facing deportation back to Nigeria. Additionally, a restraining order has been placed concerning his six victims, ensuring their protection from any further contact with him.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by elderly and disabled individuals, and the need for stringent measures to protect them from exploitation.