A male nursery worker has pleaded guilty to a horrific catalogue of child sexual abuse, committed against young children in his care at a north London nursery.
A Calculated Betrayal of Trust
Vincent Chan, a 45-year-old British national, admitted to 26 charges at Wood Green Crown Court. The charges included sexual assault by penetration, sexual assault by touching, and making and taking indecent photographs of children.
The court heard how Chan, who worked at a Bright Horizons nursery in West Hampstead between 2017 and 2024, targeted his victims during 'nap time'. He exploited his position of trust to abuse at least four little girls, all aged between two and four, while they slept.
In a brazen move, he used a work iPad – ordinarily employed to send routine updates to parents – to record pictures and videos of his crimes.
A Vast Digital Haul of Abuse
Following his arrest, a forensic investigation uncovered a staggering digital cache. Detectives found approximately 25,000 indecent images of other children stored across nearly 70 devices.
Chan's offending came to light after an initial anonymous complaint about neglect in May 2024. During that investigation, police discovered 'humiliating' videos of children, which Chan had set to music for 'comedic' effect. It was a year later that the first evidence of sexual abuse was found, leading to further arrest and his remand in custody.
Detective Superintendent Lewis Basford of the Metropolitan Police labelled Chan a 'heinous individual', stating his actions revealed 'a calculated and predatory pattern of abuse'.
Community Devastation and Ongoing Review
Around 20 parents were present in court to hear Chan's guilty pleas, with many visibly distressed. The police have contacted the families of around 700 children who were potentially under Chan's care during his seven-year tenure.
Commander Hayley Sewart described the case as 'one of the most significant and disturbing child protection investigations in recent history'. While the specific nursery branch has now closed, a full safeguarding review is underway.
Chan, of Stanhope Avenue, Finchley, has no previous convictions. He will be sentenced on 23 January, with Judge David Aaronberg KC indicating he faces a jail term 'of many years'.
This case evokes memories of paedophile nursery worker Vanessa George, who was jailed indefinitely in 2009 for abusing children at Little Ted's nursery in Plymouth.
