A SUPPORT worker who left the vulnerable man he cared for alone in a car for over an hour while he visited a bookmakers will serve an immediate jail term.

Amadin Osazenye, 45, of Melton Terrace, Ravenscliffe, appeared before Bradford Crown Court yesterday to be sentenced.

The court heard the 62-year-old man, who lives in a nursing home in the Bradford area - and has been in a hospital environment for much of his life - has learning disabilities, a multitude of health problems, is blind, has limited speech, poor mobility and requires care 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The incident unfolded on March 10, 2018, when Osazenye, who had cared for the man for around five to six years, had taken him out in his mobility car and “abandoned” him in the vehicle, with the doors locked, while he went to the William Hill bookmakers in Idle - where he stayed for over an hour.

The court heard footage shows him going between betting machines while the gentleman in his care became increasingly distressed in the car, even more so when people went towards him.

Jeanette Sunderland, Lib Dem councillor for Idle and Thackley, had been watching the car and phoned the police after becoming increasingly concerned.

While she made an attempt to calm him down through the window, he became more agitated. When Osazenye left William Hill and returned to the car, Mrs Sunderland tried to draw his attention, but he jumped in the car and drove away.

She then got in touch with the relevant authorities, including the Care Quality Commission, with her concerns.

In mitigation, Andrew Dallas, said Osazenye had never been in trouble before. He passed on a number of references, including one which touched upon him picking up ‘carer of the year’ awards while working for a company in London.

Mr Dallas said his career had been “destroyed” and there had never been a complaint or concern before this incident, which happened at a time of personal difficulty for Osazenye.

Judge Jonathan Rose said the offence was “quite simply reprehensible”.

“Imagine being trapped in a body where you are fearful and frightened and terrified and you cannot tell anyone what is wrong.

“That was [his] position. Screaming, but no-one could understand what he was saying. Have you stopped to imagine the terror that man went through?”

He said: “You were trusted to look after this man. You had no reason to leave him. It was not for his benefit. He was alone as if he was a child abandoned.”

The judge said he could not suspend the 16-month sentence, reduced from 18 months for his late guilty plea.

He commended Mrs Sunderland’s actions, saying she “did her very best for this man and for that she should be commended”.