Devon care home worker jailed for abuse of resident, 94
- Published
Footage showed Jinu Shaji lifting Mr Hart's legs in the air while he shouted for him to stop
A Devon care home worker who was caught abusing a 94-year-old resident with dementia has been sentenced to 12 months after admitting ill treatment.
The offence came to light after Victor Hart's family installed a camera in his bedroom, Exeter Crown Court heard.
Jinu Shaji, 26, of Exeter, was seen lifting Mr Hart's legs in the air while he shouted for him to stop.
Judge David Evans said there was "deliberate infliction of pain on someone who was helpless".
He said: "Throughout, you ignored Mr Hart's loud and distressing cries of pain.
"You displayed cruel unconcern.
"This was deliberate harm which was wholly unnecessary.
"It was repeated and prolonged ill treatment which was akin to an assault.
"It is clear from the recording that Mr Hart suffered significant pain over a prolonged period."
Jinu Shaji admitted wilful neglect
The offences happened in the summer of 2023 at Langford Park care home in Exeter, which has since been sold and now operates under new ownership.
Officers said after the case that three other care workers, who were employed by an agency, had received police cautions for ill treatment or neglect by a care worker.
The family had installed a camera in July 2023 after they noticed bruising on the victim's leg, said police.
Mr Hart, who was partially-sighted and had limited physical mobility, had been handled roughly and had been treated with a lack of dignity and respect, according to the "harrowing footage", police said.
Det Insp Charlotte Smith, of Devon and Cornwall Police, said after the case that the victim had been "failed by someone charged with their care".
She added: "We feel today's sentencing suitably reflects the severity of the offence."
Police also recognised the "proactive action of the family in helping bring the case to court".
They said: "We hope that they find some comfort by the fact that justice has been done."
Det Insp Smith added the offence was "relatively rare" and encouraged people to report any concerns to the police.
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