Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police
Former nursery worker found guilty of child cruelty against children in her care.
A 22-year-old nursery worker has been found guilty of 21 counts of child cruelty after she abused multiple children in her care.
Roksana Helena Lecka, 22 (13.10.2002) of Avro Place, Hounslow appeared at Kingston Crown Court on Monday, 16 June, where following a six-week-trial was found guilty of 21 counts of child cruelty.
She was brought to justice after a Met investigation found Lecka had abused children as young as ten months at two separate nurseries in Twickenham and Hounslow between October 2023 and June 2024.
Met Officers first began investigating Lecka in June 2024, following concerns from a diligent staff member at the nursery about Lecka’s behaviour.
Investigators unveiled shocking CCTV footage which showed Lecka repeatedly pinching the children and roughly placing them on the floor causing the victims to be cry and appear distressed. The footage also showed Lecka vaping less than a metre from a small baby on more than one occasion.
Met Police officers were called to the location and reviewed over 45 hours of CCTV from 28 June 2024.
Statements were taken from the children’s parents and multiple red marks, bruises and scratches were located on the children a number of parents provided pictures of the injuries found on their children. The victim’s families received specialist support from officers.
After these enquiries had taken place, Lecka was arrested at her home on 5 July on suspicion of child cruelty offences. During interview, she answered no comment to all questions and refused to acknowledge her actions when shown the CCTV footage. She was released on bail whilst officers within the Child Abuse Investigation Team continued enquiries.
Detective Sergeant Geoff Boye of Met Police’s Public Protection Command said:
“As our officers continued to review over 300 hours of CCTV, it became clear that Lecka’s offending was prolific. Footage showed Lecka carrying out multiple assaults on the children in her care which included repeatedly pinching and grabbing children, dropping babies into their cots and on one occasion, she delivered several kicks to a young boy to the face and stepped on his shoulder.
“She was further arrested and charged on 25 July 2024 with 12 counts of child cruelty, 12 counts of actual bodily harm and one count of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent.”
Following an initial appearance in court, this indictment was amended to 24 counts of child cruelty against 24 separate children.
Lecka was convicted on Monday, 16 June of 21 counts of child cruelty. The jury found her not guilty on three counts. She will appear at Kingston Crown Court on Friday, 26 September for sentencing.
Detective Inspector Sian Hutchings of Met Police’s Public Protection Command said:
“Despite being given multiple opportunities to do so, Lecka never admitted to her offences during the course of the investigation or gave any real insight into what caused her to do this. This has added more pain and confusion to the victims’ families.
“These families left their children in Lecka’s care, trusting her to take protect their children as well as the other staff at the nurseries clearly did.
“The footage of her offences against defenceless children was disturbing.
“I would like to praise the strength of the victim’s families who have had to sit in court and watch footage of the abuse which Lecka inflicted on their children.
“I would also like to commend the officer in the case, Detective Constable Eloise Hand, her dedication, attention to detail and professionalism throughout the case has been exemplary.”