TOMSMART ARIWODO BRUTAL CARE WORKER IN EDGBASTON ABUSE CASE

A distressing case of abuse involving a care worker has come to light in Birmingham, highlighting the serious risks faced by vulnerable residents in care facilities. The incident took place at a residential home managed by Blueberry Transitional Care, located on Rotton Park Road in Edgbaston, where a resident with autism and learning difficulties was subjected to a series of violent assaults by staff members.

On October 7, 2021, during a court hearing, the prosecution, led by Suzanne Francis, detailed the disturbing events involving two care workers on the night shift. The defendant, Tomsmart Ariwodo, aged 52 and residing on Gillot Road in Edgbaston, along with Olowafemi Obiodun, aged 45 from Old Bridge Walk in Sandwell, carried out three separate attacks over a span of just ten minutes. These assaults included physically throwing the vulnerable resident onto a sofa, rough handling, punching, and at one point, Obiodun grabbing and holding the resident’s arm.

The court was shown CCTV footage capturing these violent acts, which confirmed the severity of the abuse. Following the incident, the victim’s mother expressed her anguish, revealing that her son repeatedly recounted what had happened, unable to forget the trauma. She described how the experience had “broken his heart,” leaving him feeling angry and deeply upset. The mother’s testimony underscored the profound impact of the abuse on her son’s emotional well-being.

During the proceedings, Judge Dean Kershaw emphasized that both Ariwodo and Obiodun were not inexperienced carers, which made their actions even more condemnable. The judge pointed out the victim’s vulnerability and the fact that he was unable to provide a direct account of the events, making the case even more serious. Describing Ariwodo’s assault as “pretty brutal,” Judge Kershaw highlighted that the attack lasted over ten minutes and involved multiple breaches of care duties, including pushing, pulling, and punching the victim, some with force directed towards his head and body.

As a consequence of their actions, Tomsmart Ariwodo was sentenced to 12 months in prison. Meanwhile, Olowafemi Obiodun received a nine-month sentence, suspended for 18 months, and was ordered to complete 120 hours of unpaid community service. The court’s verdict reflected a clear judgment that, despite their responsibilities to safeguard the well-being of residents, both individuals had shown a complete lack of care and respect. This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of accountability and the devastating consequences when vulnerable individuals are subjected to abuse by those entrusted with their care.