A man named Ashton Guramatunhu is now facing a lengthy prison sentence after a calculated deception that endangered vulnerable patients. He stole the identity of a qualified nurse, allowing him to gain employment at multiple care homes, a betrayal of trust with potentially devastating consequences.
The elaborate scheme began to unravel in 2020 when concerns were raised, ultimately leading Cheshire Police to investigate Guramatunhu’s registration with an agency in Warrington. Investigators quickly discovered a disturbing pattern of falsification and a deliberate attempt to conceal his past.
Guramatunhu had previously attended university, but a criminal record deemed him unsuitable for a position of responsibility within the care sector. Despite this, he relentlessly pursued employment, prioritizing personal financial gain over the safety and well-being of those entrusted to his care.
He ultimately pleaded guilty to one count of fraud by false representation, acknowledging the gravity of his actions. Yesterday, at Liverpool Crown Court, the full extent of his deception was laid bare, resulting in a 40-month prison sentence.
Detective Constable Naomi Sargent, who spearheaded the investigation, emphasized the profound risk Guramatunhu posed. She stated he should never have been in a position to care for patients, and expressed certainty that his fraudulent activity would have continued unchecked without intervention.
The investigation wasn’t confined to Cheshire; it required collaboration with police forces in Cleveland, Northumbria, and Durham, alongside specialists from the Economic Crime Unit. This coordinated effort was crucial in gathering the evidence needed to secure his conviction and bring him to justice.
The sentence serves as a stark warning to anyone considering similar acts of deception. It underscores the critical importance of thorough vetting processes within the care sector and the severe repercussions for those who exploit the system for personal profit, jeopardizing the lives of others.
