A nursery worker in North London has been convicted on 26 charges following one of the Met Police’s toughest and most chilling child abuse investigations. Vincent Chan, 45, of Finchley, admitted to a string of horrifying sexual offences against children in his care.
Disturbing Offences Uncovered at West Hampstead Nursery
Vincent Chan pleaded guilty at Wood Green Crown Court to:
- Five counts of sexual assault by penetration
- Four counts of sexual assault by touching
- Eleven counts of taking indecent images of children
- Six counts of making indecent images
Some images fell into category A, indicating the most severe abuse. The offences involved children at a West Hampstead nursery where Chan was employed, exploiting his trusted role and recording disturbing footage on a nursery-issued iPad.
Police Praise Staff Whistleblower and Continue Investigation
Detective Superintendent Lewis Basford led the investigation, praising the staff member who first raised the alarm. “Without that crucial report, Chan’s abuse could have gone on unchecked, putting many more children at risk,” he said.
Police seized a staggering 69 digital devices from Chan’s home and workplace, uncovering a trove of indecent images and videos, including clear evidence of contact offences within the nursery.
“This was a calculated, predatory offender abusing trusted positions to prey on vulnerable children,” added Basford. The probe is ongoing, with a focus on supporting victims and families through specialist services.
Families Supported as Court Prepares for Sentencing
Parents of the identified victims have been contacted and offered trauma-informed support. Leigh Day, representing some of the affected families, said:
“We are still trying to process the sickening discovery that our children were subjected to despicable abuse by Vincent Chan. We trust the judge to deliver a strong sentence fitting his crimes against innocent children who could not fight back.”
Chan will be sentenced in January 2025.
NSPCC and CPS Condemn Abuse, Offer Support
Helen Reddy, specialist prosecutor from the CPS, called the crimes a “heinous breach of trust” and confirmed the CPS’s commitment to pursuing offenders and securing justice.
Kellie Ann Fitzgerald of the NSPCC said: “We are shocked and horrified. Our priority is helping children & families access fast, specialist support. A dedicated helpline is now open: 0800 028 0828. We are also working with schools and childcare settings to promote safe practice and protection.”
How to Get Help or Report Concerns
- Contact the NSPCC helpline: 0800 028 0828 (8am-8pm weekdays, 9am-6pm weekends)
- Childline, operated by NSPCC, offers 24/7 free, confidential support for children: 0800 1111
- To report directly to the Met Police, email: [email protected]
- Call 101 quoting CAD3697/1DEC
This case sends a stark warning about safeguarding children and the vital role of whistleblowers. Authorities vow to keep fighting to protect our youngest and most vulnerable.
