Carer who mistreated pensioner avoids jail Sacked BUPA worker admits neglect but walks free from court
ABUPA care home worker secretly recorded mistreating a frail pensioner has avoided a jail sentence – to the fury of the victim’s family.
Footage captured by Betty Boylan’s relatives showed Bina Begum pull the 77-year-old by the head to get her to sit up, before she was slammed back into her chair.
The widow, who is wheelchairbound and partially sighted, was left screaming out in pain.
Begum, 49, of Teddington Grove, Perry Barr, was sacked by BUPA bosses, who described her actions as “unacceptable”.
She was given a 12-month community order at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court last week after admitting ill-treating and neglecting Mrs Boylan.
But the pensioner’s family walked out of the court in disgust as the sentence, which also saw Begum ordered to pay a £270 fine and complete 40 hours of unpaid work, was handed down.
Mrs Boylan’s son-in-law, Nigel Jarvis, said he would appeal in the hope of winning a stronger term.
Mr Jarvis, 56, from Great Barr, said: “It’s disgusting and I plan to appeal. I will write to the Prime Minister if I have to. She should have been jailed to send a clear message that this kind of behaviour will not be tolerated.”
The footage was recorded at Mrs Boylan’s room at the BUPA-run Perry Locks home in Aldridge Road, Perry Barr, last September.
Her family fitted the £200 hidden camera after they were shocked to find bruises on her body.
West Midlands Police are also investigating images which appeared to show deodorant being sprayed in Mrs Boylan’s face.
The former auxiliary nurse spent more than a year at the home from September 2015. Her husband Timmy had a stroke the day after she moved in and died last May.
Mrs Boylan now lives with Mr Jarvis and her daughter, Bernadette.
Mr Jarvis said of the OAP: “She is the kindest lady you could meet. She always saw the good in people but the magistrates let her down.”
Nazia Jan, defending Begum, said she was “very, very remorseful”.
“It’s cost her her chosen career,” she said. “This act was completely out of character, blemished her good character and caused her unquantifiable distress.”
BUPA Care Services director of quality Vivienne Birch said: “We were shocked and saddened by the footage.
“We’re deeply sorry this happened and the distress it has caused Mrs Boylan’s family. We’re proud of the care our staff provide and do not tolerate behaviour like this at any of our homes.”