A shocking case of child abuse at two nurseries in suburban London has left parents horrified and child welfare advocates in disbelief. Roksana Lecka, a 22-year-old nursery worker, was convicted on June 16 for abusing 21 babies under her care, following a six-week trial that exposed the disturbing extent of her mistreatment. The conviction came after hidden camera footage revealed Lecka’s violent behaviour towards infants, including slapping, kicking, and roughly handling them between October 2023 and June 2024.
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According to reports, the footage captured Lecka engaging in abusive actions such as covering babies’ mouths, slamming them into furniture, and violently rocking their cots. Detective Sergeant Geoff Boyle described seeing Lecka deliver multiple assaults on the children, including punching and grabbing them, dropping babies into their cots, and even kicking a young boy in the face and stepping on his shoulder. The Crown Prosecution Service stated that Lecka was observed pinching children numerous times in a single day and force-feeding a child until they choked.
In addition to the physical abuse, Lecka admitted to smoking marijuana before her shifts and was even caught vaping near an infant. The distressing incidents took place at Riverside Nursery in Twickenham, where Lecka worked from January to June 2024. Parents began to notice unusual bruises and injuries on their children between March and May of that year, prompting concerns and ultimately leading to the installation of hidden cameras to monitor Lecka’s behaviour.
Lecka’s abusive behaviour was not confined to Riverside Nursery, as at least one incident occurred at her previous workplace, Little Munchkins in Hounslow. Gemma Burns of the Crown Prosecution Service expressed shock at the scale of Lecka’s abuse, noting her exceptional cruelty towards the babies in her care. Lecka pleaded guilty to seven counts of child cruelty and was found guilty of an additional 14 counts at Kingston Crown Court. Her sentencing is scheduled for September 26.
Following the conviction, Lecka has been prohibited from working with children ever again. The nursery where she was employed is now under regulatory review, with authorities taking steps to ensure the safety and well-being of children in their care. Riverside Nurseries issued a statement acknowledging the breach of trust and emphasised their commitment to creating a safe environment for children to thrive.
Cases of child abuse like this are deeply distressing and highlight the importance of vigilance and safeguarding measures in childcare settings. The shocking revelations have prompted a call for increased awareness and vigilance in spotting signs of child abuse, as well as swift action to protect vulnerable children. The conviction of Roksana Lecka serves as a stark reminder of the critical need for stringent safeguards in place to ensure the safety and welfare of all children in childcare facilities.