Oluwabunmi Adeliyi, 30, ‘risked ‘untold harm’
15:17, 27 Jan 2026Updated 17:29, 27 Jan 2026
Oluwabunmi Adeliyi, 30, carried out shifts at Caswell Clinic despite having no qualifications to do so
A fraudster used a false ID in the name of another woman in order to carry out shifts at secure mental health hospitals despite having no qualifications in the field. She caused serious risks to both staff and patients after locking fire doors and had access to confidential records.
Oluwabunmi Adeliyi, 30, carried out a total of four shifts at the Caswell Clinic, in Bridgend, and Neath Port Talbot Hospital, in Baglan, in 2023, despite having no training in mental health care. Patients at the units where she worked had complex mental health issues, and had been detained under the Mental Health Act having been accused or convicted of a criminal act.
A sentencing hearing at Cardiff Crown Court on Tuesday heard the defendant attended a shift at Caswell Clinic on February 7, 2023, and handed over health care support worker identification from the Pro Nursing Healthcare agency. Don’t miss a court report by signing up to our crime newsletter here.
But when the ID was examined by a receptionist, she noticed a passport photo had been placed on top of the original identification picture, which was in the name of Bisola Elizabeth Oladipupo.
The receptionist challenged Adeliyi, who refused to hand over the documentation she was in possession of. This raised suspicions and the matter was escalated to Swansea Bay University Health Board .
Attempts were made to contact the person named on the ID document, but she said her “sister” had undertaken the shift in her place.
The nature of the fraud was classified as “serious” and discussions were carried out by senior members of the health board, and the decision was made to suspend Pro Nursing Healthcare agency with providing temporary staff.
CCTV footage was seized and reviewed and Adeliyi was arrested on March 8 and interviewed, but she answered “no comment” to all questions.
An iPhone was seized from the defendant and when examined, it revealed she had carried out three further shifts at the Caswell Clinic and Neath Port Talbot Hospital.
During these shifts, Adeliyi had access to observation notes, and she had written notes on observation records. She also had access to confidential information.
She exhibited “bizarre behaviour” on the shifts, as she didn’t know how to wear the required belt and attempted to lock a number of doors, which would have caused serious risks if there had been a fire or a staff member required assistance if a staff member was acting violently.
Adeliyi also left her phone out while on shift, and was told that phones were restricted and prohibited on the ward.
Prosecutor Hannah Meredith-Jones said all staff on the ward required a high level of training in mental health care, as patients on the ward could pose a risk to staff
The barrister said the defendant’s fraudulent actions caused serious risk as she has no qualifications in nursing or in healthcare support. She said Adeliyi was motivated by “financial gain” and was paid £1,739.
The defendant was interviewed again on April 27, 2024, and made full admissions.
Adeliyi, of Heol Parc, Canton, Cardiff, later pleaded guilty to four counts of fraud by false representation. The court heard she has no previous convictions.
Bisola Elizabeth Oladipupo was said to have “escaped back to Nigeria” on a false passport and has not returned to the UK.
In mitigation, Sali Harmes said her client was remorseful and deeply regrets her actions, having not previously understood the full seriousness of her offence.
The barrister said the defendant came to the UK from Nigerias in 2022 with her husband and daughter, and felt indebted to the woman who assisted in her arrival.
Having studied at Cardiff Metropolitan University she is the primary carer for her daughter and is pregnant with her second child and has found a job in customer services.
Sentencing, Recorder Mark Powell KC said: “You put the patients at risk because you didn’t know how to deal with them and you put staff at risk. You locked doors which should have remained open and you didn’t know what you were doing…
“Your actions could have had untold harm on the workings of Caswell Clinic and Neath Port Talbot Hospital.”
Adeliyi was sentenced to 10 months imprisonment, suspended for two years.
The defendant was also ordered to carry out 100 hours unpaid work and a 15 day rehabilitation activity requirement.
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