LONDON — A 22-year-old former nursery worker has been convicted of 21 counts of child cruelty after she was caught on CCTV abusing children as young as 10 months old at two nurseries in Twickenham and Hounslow between October 2023 and June 2024.
Roksana Lecka was found guilty following a six-week trial at Kingston Crown Court, where disturbing footage showed her pinching, kicking, and roughly handling infants in her care. She was also seen vaping less than a metre away from a baby and dropping babies into cots.
The Metropolitan Police launched an investigation in June 2024 after a staff member raised concerns. The evidence revealed shocking levels of mistreatment that left visible bruises, red marks, and scratches on multiple children.
Shocking Testimony and Footage
Met Detective Sergeant Geoff Boye said the footage showed Lecka “repeatedly pinching and grabbing children, dropping babies into their cots, and, on one occasion, kicking a young boy in the face and stepping on his shoulder.“
Parents who had entrusted their children to Lecka were devastated. Photos of the injuries sustained by the infants were presented in court, prompting emotional reactions from victims’ families.
During the trial, Lecka blamed cannabis use and vape addiction for her behaviour. “I was smoking cannabis quite regularly with my boyfriend,” she told the jury, claiming it affected her memory. She also admitted to vaping at the nursery, stating she became “moody and fed up” without it.
In response to specific allegations, she denied intentionally harming children, insisting, “I did not smack her. I put my arm around her really quickly.”
Despite her defence, jurors found her guilty of 21 out of 24 counts of child cruelty. She was acquitted of three charges.
Sentencing and Reaction
Lecka is scheduled to be sentenced on September 26 at Kingston Crown Court.
Detective Inspector Sian Hutchings of the Met Police commended the families for their courage:
“These families left their children in Lecka’s care, trusting her to protect them. The footage was disturbing, and I praise the strength of the victim’s families who had to watch it in court.”
The NSPCC also responded to the conviction, stressing the need for strong safeguarding practices in early childhood settings.
“It is vital that early years environments foster a culture of openness and vigilance so concerns can be raised and addressed promptly,” said a spokesperson.
This case highlights both the dangers of unchecked abuse in childcare and the importance of prompt action by concerned staff members. Authorities continue to urge vigilance in all childcare facilities to prevent similar tragedies.
