Ex nursery worker sentenced for more than 50 child sex offences

A former nursery worker has been sentenced to 18 years after a meticulous investigation uncovered more than one million indecent images and evidence of widespread offending spanning nearly two decades.

Today’s outcome represents an important step in securing justice for the children, families and wider community whose lives have been profoundly affected by Vincent Chan’s actions.

Vincent Chan, 45 (28.10.80), of Stanhope Avenue, Finchley, was jailed at Wood Green Crown Court on Thursday, 12 February. He has also been made subject to an application for a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, meaning he will face strict monitoring when he is eventually released.

His sentencing marks the conclusion of a deeply distressing case that has centred throughout on protecting victims, uncovering the truth of what happened, and ensuring that every child and family affected received the support they need. Officers have dedicated thousands of hours to identifying victims, securing charges at the earliest opportunity and remaining in close contact with families during an incredibly traumatic process.

Detective Superintendent Lewis Basford, the Senior Investigating Officer, said:

“Chan’s crimes are horrific, but we will not let his name overshadow today.

“Our foremost responsibility throughout has been to the victims – carrying out a meticulous investigation that established the extent of the offending and ensured Chan was held to account.

“I want to thank every victim and family who engaged with us during this traumatic process. Their trust enabled us to secure further charges and today’s significant sentence.

“I am also grateful to the community, our investigation team and the CPS for the valuable roles they played.

“To all those affected – our commitment to you does not end today. We remain by your side, and we will continue to ensure you receive the long-term support you need.”

In a victim impact statement, a representative of the families whose children attended the nursery where Chan committed many of his offences, said:

“The impact of Vincent Chan’s actions upon our entire community has been profound. The knowledge that he was not only capable of such acts but committed them against children within the nursery has created a permanent ache in our hearts.

“The lasting trauma of ‘what if’ is powerfully felt throughout our community because of Vincent Chan’s actions. It offers no closure, no reassurance, no healing and no point at which anxiety can safely end or be meaningfully processed.

“The fear we feel about the cruel violation of our children will never dissipate. Ordinary memories from early childhood are now tainted with doubt, anxiety and guilt.”

How the investigation unfolded

Chan worked in education settings from 2006, including as a supply teacher, IT support worker and later as a nursery assistant.

Police were first alerted in June 2024 following concerns that children at a nursery in Camden had been filmed without their knowledge.

Following Chan’s arrest on 11 June 2024, officers seized 69 personal and nursery-issued devices. As forensic teams trawled the devices, they uncovered substantial amounts of indecent images and videos of children, including evidence of contact offending involving young children.

Officers worked quickly to rearrest Chan, and on 9 September 2025 he was charged with child sexual offences. He has been remanded in custody since.

As further devices were examined, detectives identified offending dating back to 2007, including:

• a sexual assault
• voyeurism and upskirting
• a sexual act committed alone on school premises
• further indecent images of children

Officers reviewed more than 300 hours of footage, working with the CPS to secure an additional 30 charges.

As the scale of offending became clear, officers prioritised identifying victims and reassuring families. To date, 20 victims have been identified, including four young children subjected to contact abuse or indecent image offences.

All victims, or their parents or guardians where appropriate, have been visited and informed by specially trained local officers and provided with a contact. Following these difficult conversations, families were also given direct access to specialist support services and local community partners for long-term, trauma-informed support.

The NSPCC has launched a dedicated helpline – 0800 028 0828 – for families, professionals and anyone seeking support or wishing to raise safeguarding concerns.

Kellie Ann Fitzgerald, NSPCC Assistant Director for London and the South East, said:

“With the right support, children who have been abused – and adults who were abused in childhood – can and do recover.

“Our specialists on the dedicated helpline are here to ensure every child, family and individual affected by Chan’s crimes receives the support they need.”

Charges

Chan previously pleaded guilty on 3 December to 26 offences, including sexual assault and making/taking indecent images of children. On 29 January, he pleaded guilty to a further 30 offences, including taking/making indecent images of children, voyeurism, a sexual assault and outraging public decency.