A 22-year-old nursery worker is on trial after being accused of physically abusing multiple children under her care at a private nursery in Twickenham, south west London.
Roksana Lecka, formerly employed at the £1,900-a-month Riverside Nursery, is alleged to have assaulted at least 23 children aged between 10 months and two years. Kingston Crown Court heard that Lecka faces 23 child cruelty charges—two of which she has admitted, while denying the remaining 21.
CCTV Footage Reveals Alleged Attacks
In court, jurors were shown CCTV footage said to capture Lecka physically harming children. Prosecutors allege the footage shows her:
-
Pinching children on the face, body, wrist and mouth
-
Grabbing and yanking a child’s hair
-
Punching a baby in the side after removing them from a crib
-
Pulling a child’s arm and causing them to hit their head on a table
-
Looking around the room to check if colleagues could see her actions
One clip reportedly shows Lecka vaping inside the nursery prior to an incident involving an infant.
The alleged incidents took place between January and June 2024.
Scratches, Pinch Marks and Hair Pulling
Children allegedly sustained red marks, bruises, and scratch wounds during their time in Lecka’s care. The court heard that the nursery’s internal safeguarding process began after a staff member raised concerns upon witnessing her pinching a child’s leg. This led to the discovery of multiple incidents via CCTV review.
No Prior Safeguarding Concerns
When hired, Lecka had no known safeguarding risks on her record. A separate charge of child cruelty relates to an incident predating her employment at the Twickenham nursery.
Lecka Arrested and Denies Charges
Lecka was arrested on 5 July 2024. In a prepared statement to police, she stated:
“I deny assaulting any children at the Riverside Nursery… There were no accidents where any child seemed hurt. We have procedures for the handling of the children, which I adhered to. I am unaware how any injury to these children were caused.”
The court has heard that she has admitted to two offences but denies a further 21 charges.
Trial Ongoing at Kingston Crown Court
The trial continues, with the prosecution presenting further evidence and testimony. The case has drawn significant public interest due to the nature of the allegations and the number of children involved.
