Nursery worker jailed for 18 years over years-long abuse of children and women
A nursery worker who secretly filmed himself sexually abusing young children and carried out a catalogue of other sexual offences has been jailed for 18 years after a judge described his behaviour as “utterly wicked”.
Vincent Chan, 45, admitted 56 offences including sexual assault by penetration, voyeurism and possession of indecent images. He was sentenced at Wood Green Crown Court. After his release, he will serve a further eight years on extended licence.
The court heard that Chan’s offending stretched over more than a decade, from 2008 to 2024. His victims ranged in age from toddlers as young as two to a woman in her 70s.
Years working in childcare and education
Between 2007 and 2017, Chan worked at a Bright Horizons nursery on Finchley Road in West Hampstead, north-west London. During this period, he filmed himself sexually abusing children who were in his care.
The judge said Chan had abused a position of trust in “the most despicable of ways”. He exploited his access to vulnerable children. This occurred in an environment where parents expected them to be safe.
The court was told there was no evidence of safeguarding failures by the nursery. There was also no suggestion that colleagues were aware of his offending at the time. Prosecutors said Chan acted alone and took deliberate steps to conceal his crimes.
Abuse extended beyond the nursery
Warning: This article contains distressing details.
Chan’s offending was not limited to the nursery. Police later uncovered further crimes. These were committed while he was employed as a teaching assistant at a school in Finchley, north London. During this time, he secretly filmed upskirt videos of girls during lessons, exploiting his role within an educational setting.
Prosecutors said this showed a pattern of behaviour in which Chan repeatedly sought employment that gave him access to children and young people.
Vast collection of abuse material uncovered
Sentencing Chan, Judge John Dodd KC said he was a “perverse and depraved” individual who had “lost all sense of moral compass”.
Investigators from the Metropolitan Police found Chan had amassed at least 26,000 indecent images and videos over many years. Some of the material was among the most serious category of child abuse content.
The court heard that the material was carefully organised and repeatedly accessed, demonstrating sustained offending rather than isolated incidents. The judge said this showed a “deep-seated sexual obsession” with children.
Chan also admitted voyeurism offences, secretly filming girls and women as they undressed or used the toilet, and sexually assaulting a woman while she slept.
Victims describe lasting trauma
Young victims told the court they had been left devastated after learning about the abuse and continued to suffer long-term psychological trauma. Families said the case had destroyed their trust and described it as “every parent’s worst nightmare”.
One woman who was secretly recorded said she felt “violated and humiliated” and had become fearful of using the bathroom. Another victim, who was sexually assaulted while asleep, said Chan’s actions showed a “total disregard for human dignity”.
Detective Superintendent Lewis Basford said the “scale, nature and cruelty” of the offending had caused “immeasurable trauma” to victims and their families, adding that the investigation revealed “a sustained campaign of abuse carried out over many years”.
Nursery responds as helpline launched
In a statement, Bright Horizons said it was a deeply distressing time for those affected.
“Keeping children safe is our most important responsibility,” the company said. “Vincent Chan broke that trust. His actions were depraved and devious. They go against the kindness and care our dedicated professionals provide to children each day.”
A dedicated helpline has been set up by the NSPCC for anyone affected. The service can be reached on 0800 028 0828, operating from 08:00 to 20:00 on weekdays and 09:00 to 18:00 at weekends.