At a time when working parents trust nurseries to care for their most vulnerable children, a disturbing case in southwest London has left families and the public reeling.
A young nursery worker, Roksana Lecka, is facing serious allegations of child cruelty after multiple toddlers were reportedly mistreated under her watch.
Her trial at Kingston Crown Court has revealed troubling claims, emotional testimonies, and a heavy sense of betrayal from those who thought their children were safe.
Allegations of Abuse at an Expensive Montessori Nursery
Lecka, a 22-year-old originally from Poland, was employed at Riverside Nursery in Twickenham, where parents paid £1,900 a month expecting top-tier childcare.
Instead, prosecutors allege that she “badly harmed” 23 toddlers between the ages of 18 months and two years during her time there from January to June 2024.
Though she denies 16 counts of child cruelty, she has already admitted to seven similar offences.
A 24th charge, relating to her time at a different nursery—Little Munchkins in Hounslow in October 2023—has also been brought forward.
What CCTV Revealed: Children in Pain and Colleagues in Shock
The court heard how concerned co-workers raised the alarm after witnessing Lecka’s alleged behavior.
This triggered an extensive police investigation, which included the painstaking review of around 400 hours of CCTV footage. Prosecutors say the footage shows children “writhing” in pain after being slapped, pinched, or grabbed with visible force.
In one disturbing case, a child was allegedly kicked in the face after being repeatedly pinched.
Another girl was punched so hard that her body jolted. These revelations left courtroom observers—including family members—audibly gasping.
Her Defence: Sleep Deprivation, Weed, and Emotional Exhaustion
Lecka has admitted to leading an unhealthy lifestyle during this period.
She told the jury that she was addicted to cannabis and vaping, often staying up until 3 a.m. with her boyfriend.
“I was addicted to him and I was addicted to smoking weed,” she confessed in court.
She also explained how her constant need to vape led to irritability at work.
“If I didn’t smoke, I’d get agitated and fed up,” she said, admitting she would sneak puffs during shifts—even hiding her vape in her bra.
She described herself as worn out, suffering from period pain, and emotionally depleted in the weeks leading up to the allegations.
One Incident Among Many: Denial and Justifications
In one incident where a baby was allegedly smacked twice in the face while Lecka was vaping, she insisted she only “put her arm around the child quickly.”
She denied smacking the child, claiming the distress may have been caused by the child waking up from a nap.
Prosecutor Tracy Ayling KC dismissed these explanations as excuses.
“If she was tired, grumpy, and feeling put upon by others—is that why she was hurting children?” she asked the jury, arguing that Lecka was in “complete denial” about the extent of her actions.
Medical Expert Supports Abuse Claims
Expert testimony from paediatrician Dr Stephen Rose backed the prosecution’s case.
He reviewed both CCTV footage and photos taken by parents, stating that bruising seen on some children was consistent with pinch marks.
“Significant force is required to rupture capillaries,” he explained, describing the injuries as painful and “non-accidental.”
Staff Reactions and Missing Safeguarding Steps
The trial also heard from a former colleague who described Lecka as anxious and sweaty after one alleged incident.
When CCTV failed to capture that moment due to a blocked view, the colleague said the nursery discouraged her from using the word “pinching” and failed to take appropriate action.
It wasn’t until this staff member heard of Lecka’s new job and additional allegations that she contacted police herself.
The Defence: Stress, Overwork, and a “Teenage Love Affair”
Lecka’s defence, led by barrister Arlette Piercy, argued that the young woman was overwhelmed.
She described her relationship with her boyfriend as a chaotic “teenage love affair,” which left her emotionally drained and physically exhausted. “She cracked,” Piercy said. “She was burning the candle at both ends.”
The defence claims Lecka isn’t denying the actions she has admitted to, but insists there’s no campaign of sustained abuse.
“She’s shown genuine remorse,” Piercy said, urging jurors not to be swayed by emotion or dislike but to examine the facts.
Prosecution Pushes Back: “This Is About the Evidence”
The prosecution, however, emphasized that this isn’t about Lecka’s memory or personal struggles—it’s about what the CCTV shows.
“You can see her actions,” said Ayling, stating the children’s distress was obvious and the force used was intentional.
“If she saw them in pain and still carried on, unnecessary suffering was clearly likely—or she simply didn’t care.”
What’s at Stake for the Jury
Jurors are tasked with delivering verdicts on 17 counts of child cruelty Lecka has denied, in addition to those she admitted.
The trial highlighted that many incidents happened in the nursery’s baby room or sleep room, where infants are especially vulnerable.
Ms Piercy reminded jurors: “You’re not here to like Roksana Lecka—you’re here to judge her fairly.”
She acknowledged the emotional weight of the case but urged them to look beyond Lecka’s “discoloured” character and focus on facts.
A Trial That’s Shaken Parents and the Public
The Montessori nurseries involved are based on gentle, child-led approaches.
But what unfolded in this courtroom stands in sharp contrast to those ideals.
With the trial still ongoing, all eyes are on the jury as they deliberate over whether Lecka’s actions were reckless lapses, or deliberate harm against children too young to defend themselves.
The verdict, when it comes, will likely have wide-ranging implications—not only for Lecka, but for how nurseries monitor and protect their youngest charges.