A nursery worker in North London has pleaded guilty to a horrific catalogue of sexual offences against young children he was employed to care for.
Depraved Crimes in a Place of Safety
Vincent Chan, 45, of Stanhope Avenue, Finchley, admitted to 26 charges at Wood Green Crown Court on Wednesday, 3 December 2025. The court heard how he abused four identified victims, some as young as three years old, while working at a nursery in West Hampstead.
The charges to which he pleaded guilty include five counts of sexual assault of a child by penetration, four counts of sexual assault by touching, and 17 counts related to making and taking indecent photographs of children. Police examining his devices discovered a cache of more than 25,000 indecent images, including 280 Category A videos.
A Predator Exposed by Colleagues and Digital Evidence
Chan's activities first came to light in June 2024 when a concerned colleague reported him for capturing disturbing footage of children on a nursery iPad. He was initially arrested on suspicion of child cruelty after it was found he distorted this footage by adding superimpositions and music "for comedic effect" and shared stills with staff.
However, a deeper investigation revealed far more serious crimes. Upon seizing devices from his home and the nursery, officers uncovered evidence of direct contact offences. This led to his re-arrest in September 2024 and subsequent charging with sexual offences. In total, 69 digital devices were seized during the investigation.
Detective Superintendent Lewis Basford, leading the investigation, stated: "He infiltrated environments that should have been safe havens for children, exploiting the trust of families and the wider community to conceal his actions." He praised the staff member who initially raised concerns, noting their report prevented further abuse.
Families' Anguish and Ongoing Support
Speaking through lawyers at Leigh Day, the families of the affected children said: "We are still trying to process the sickening discovery that our children were subjected to despicable abuse." They expressed relief that Chan's guilty plea spared them a trial and stated they trust the judge to impose the strongest possible sentence.
The Metropolitan Police investigation, named Operation Lanark, remains ongoing as officers continue to review digital material. Four children have been formally identified as victims from the footage, and their parents have been informed and offered support.
A dedicated NSPCC helpline has been established for anyone affected by the case. Kellie Ann Fitzgerald, NSPCC Assistant Director for London and the South East, said: "The effects of child sexual abuse can be devastating for victims and their families, so part of our response must be to offer hope and healing."
Anyone with concerns can contact the NSPCC helpline on 0800 028 0828. Information can also be reported to the Met Police by emailing OpLanark@met.police.uk or calling 101, quoting reference CAD3697/1DEC.
