In a disturbing case that has shocked parents and the public alike, 22-year-old Roxanna Lea, a former nursery worker in London, has been sentenced to eight years in prison after being found guilty of abusing 21 infants. The case came to light following a colleague’s report of unusual behavior from Lea, which prompted an investigation by the Metropolitan Police.
The investigation revealed a pattern of abusive actions against children at two nurseries where Lea was employed between October 2023 and June 2024. Initially, Lea was suspended from her position at Riverside Nursery after being reported for pinching several infants. Following her suspension, police uncovered extensive evidence of her abusive conduct, including over 300 hours of security footage that documented acts of cruelty, such as pinching, scratching, and even kicking a child in the face.
The footage revealed that Lea engaged in reprehensible behavior while caring for infants as young as 10 months old. Parents began noticing unusual injuries and bruises on their children, leading to further scrutiny of Lea’s actions. Among the alarming incidents captured on video were instances of Lea blowing vape smoke near cribs, covering a toddler’s mouth to silence crying, and physically assaulting children in various ways.
Upon her arrest, Lea displayed a lack of remorse or empathy, repeatedly responding to police inquiries with “no comment.” This pattern of behavior continued during her interrogation, where she failed to acknowledge the severity of her actions or express any sorrow for the harm inflicted on vulnerable children.
Initially facing multiple charges, Lea’s case evolved as new evidence emerged. She ultimately pleaded guilty to seven counts of child cruelty just days before her trial, claiming her actions were influenced by cannabis use and personal issues, including a supposed addiction to her boyfriend. However, these assertions were met with skepticism.
During the sentencing phase, parents of the affected children expressed their anger and disappointment, highlighting the profound breach of trust that had occurred. Many parents described the experience as their worst nightmare, emphasizing the anxiety associated with leaving their children in the care of others. Roxanna Lea was subsequently convicted on 21 out of 24 counts of child cruelty.
In delivering the sentence, the judge prohibited Lea from ever working with children again, underscoring the seriousness of her crimes and the potential for lasting harm to her young victims. The case has raised important questions about the safety measures in place at nurseries and the responsibility of caregivers to protect the children in their care.
Dr. Daniel Bober, a forensic psychiatrist, commented on the troubling nature of Lea’s behavior, noting that her actions appeared to be calculated rather than impulsive. He emphasized the need for better screening and monitoring of childcare workers to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
As Roxanna Lea begins her prison sentence, the community continues to grapple with the implications of her actions and the need for vigilance in ensuring the safety of children in daycare settings. The case serves as a stark reminder of the essential trust placed in childcare providers and the devastating consequences that can arise when that trust is violated.
