A MALE nursery assistant filmed himself sexually abusing sleeping young girls in his care, it can be revealed today.
Evil Vincent Chan, 45, carried out the serious sexual assaults while he was alone with the victims, aged between two and four.
The paedophile today pleaded guilty to 26 charges relating to the vile abuse which he filmed on one of the North London nursery’s own iPads.
British national Chan, of Chinese heritage, was able to send the twisted images to himself without being detected.
He worked at the West Hampstead nursery from 2017, joining initially as an art teacher before becoming a classroom assistant.
Before that, he had worked in a Barnet school for 10 years and was also a karate instructor and video game developer.
Chan was arrested on suspicion of child cruelty in June last year after cops were tipped off that Chan had inappropriately filmed young children at the West Hampstead nursery.
He took the “disturbing” and humiliating footage of the children on one of the nursery iPads used for parents to be able to see and communicate with their children remotely.
Chan superimposed images and music on the videos of children for twisted fun and shared it with colleagues, one of whom is believed to have reported him.
Police seized 25 devices linked to Chan from his work and home where he lived alone in Stanhope Avenue, Finchley.
Because of a backlog in examining computers, it took another FIFTEEN months before any footage was found of him sexually abusing toddlers.
It took officers three months from Chan’s arrest to submit the phones and computers for digital examination – and that process was not completed until July this year.
Even then, it was not until September 5 that police found the first evidence of Chan sexually abusing a child.
Chan – suspended by the nursery after his initial arrest – was arrested three days later and charged and remanded in custody.
Footage analysed has revealed Chan sexually abusing three children on a total of 10 occasions and taking indecent images of a fourth child.
He appeared in the dock at Wood Green crown court to admit five counts of sexually assaulting a child by penetration.
Chan further admitted four counts of sexual assault of a child by touching.
He also pleaded guilty to 11 counts of taking indecent photos of a child and six further charges of the same offence.
Those offences involved images of Category A, B and C level with the former depicting the most severe abuse.
Child sexual abuse is one of the most horrific crimes imaginable, and Chan’s offending spanned years, revealing a calculated and predatory pattern of abuse
Detective Superintendent Lewis Basford
Police are continuing to investigate Chan, of Finchley, and are analysing a total of 69 digital devices which have now been seized from him.
And a review is underway to establish how single man Chan was able to carry out the abuse under the noses of other staff at the nursery.
There should have been two assistants in the class but it is thought Chan struck while his colleague was out of their room dealing with first aid or other practical matters.
Prior to his arrest, Chan was not known to police and he had passed his DBS checks when he joined the nursery.
Detective Superintendent Lewis Basford, who led the Met’s investigation, said: “Child sexual abuse is one of the most horrific crimes imaginable, and Chan’s offending spanned years, revealing a calculated and predatory pattern of abuse.
“He infiltrated environments that should have been safe havens for children, exploiting the trust of families and the wider community to conceal his actions and prey on the most vulnerable.
“Our investigation remains ongoing, and we are continuing to review digital devices and assess Chan’s conduct across all relevant settings.
“We recognise the member of staff who raised their concerns, as without that first report of child cruelty Chan’s abuse could have continued unchecked, putting countless more children at risk.
“These appalling offences have caused deep shock and distress.”
He said an internal Met review into the delay in finding Chan’s abuse on devices seized by cops, had ruled officers acted correctly.
The detective added: “There are clearly wider questions about the digital capability in the criminal justice system.”
As parents we are still trying to process the sickening discovery that our children were subjected to despicable abuse by Vincent Chan at the nursery
Victims’ families
Families of the children targeted by Chan were informed by police of the harrowing abuse.
A statement was issued on the families’ behalf by solicitors Leigh Day following Chan’s guilty pleas.
They said: “As parents we are still trying to process the sickening discovery that our children were subjected to despicable abuse by Vincent Chan at the nursery.
“In admitting the charges, we are spared the prospect of hearing Vincent Chan’s crimes at the nursery described in graphic detail in a trial.
“We trust the judge to pass the strongest sentence to fit the crimes Vincent Chan has committed against young children, innocent victims who could not fight back.”
Anyone who fears their child may have fallen victim to Chan is urged to call the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000.
The charity’s assistant director for London and the South East, Kellie Ann Fitzgerald, said:”We are shocked and horrified by the nature and scale of the child sexual abuse that has come to light through this police investigation.
“Our thoughts are with all the children, families, and communities that have been impacted by Chan’s appalling breach of trust.
“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.”
Met commander Hayley Sewart said the case had been “one of the most significant and disturbing child sexual investigations in recent history.”
She added: “The inquiry has revealed a pattern of offending which is disturbing and deeply troubling.”
