A 22-year-old nursery worker has been found guilty of 21 counts of child cruelty following a harrowing investigation into abuse at nurseries in Hounslow and Twickenham.
Roksana Helena Lecka, of Avro Place, Hounslow, was convicted on Monday, 16 June at Kingston Crown Court after a six-week trial that exposed shocking mistreatment of young children in her care between October 2023 and June 2024.
Disturbing CCTV Revealed
Lecka’s abusive actions came to light after a concerned colleague reported unusual behaviour. The Metropolitan Police’s Public Protection Command launched an investigation, uncovering disturbing CCTV footage from the nursery premises.
Video evidence showed Lecka:
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Pinching children
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Forcefully dropping babies into cots
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Kicking a child in the face
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Stepping on a toddler’s shoulder
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Vaping near infants
Over 300 Hours of Evidence Reviewed
Investigators reviewed over 300 hours of surveillance footage. Multiple children were seen displaying signs of physical harm, including bruises, scratches, and emotional distress. Parents of affected children submitted photographic evidence, and all families received support from safeguarding professionals.
Lecka was arrested on 5 July 2024, but declined to answer any questions during interviews—even when confronted with video evidence.
Originally charged with 12 counts, the indictment was later amended to 24 charges of child cruelty, each representing a separate victim.
Jury Verdict and Police Statement
Lecka was found guilty on 21 counts and cleared on three. She now awaits sentencing on Friday, 26 September, also at Kingston Crown Court.
Detective Sergeant Geoff Boye, of the Met’s Public Protection team, stated:
“Lecka’s offending was prolific. Her actions caused serious harm to vulnerable children in her care. This case has understandably left a deep impact on the affected families and the wider community.”
Next Steps
The nurseries involved have since undergone safeguarding reviews, and further regulatory actions are expected. The Met Police and local authorities are continuing efforts to reassure parents and restore trust in local childcare facilities.
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Anyone concerned about safeguarding practices in nurseries can contact Ofsted or the NSPCC via 0808 800 5000.
