Man from north London admits sexual offences against children
Nursery worker Vincent Chan pleaded guilty to 26 charges as part of an investigation described by the Metropolitan Police as one of its most 'harrowing and complex'
Last updated 3rd Dec 2025
A man from north London has pleaded guilty to 26 serious sexual offences, including crimes against children.
Nursery worker Vincent Chan from Finchley admitted to the charges at Wood Green Crown Court.
The charges relate to sexual assault offences against children and the taking and making of indecent images of children. He was arrested on the 8th of September after another member of staff at the nursery Chan worked at discovered he had been taking 'disturbing' footage of children in his care on a nursery-issued iPad.
The level of offending by Chan was so prolific, the NSPCC has set up a specialist helpline for the families whose children attended the nursery where the offending took place.
Chan will be sentenced on Friday 23rd January 2025.
Detective Superintendent Lewis Basford, who led the Met’s investigation, said in a statement “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. We thank the community for its continued cooperation and reaffirm our commitment to supporting victims and their families. If you have any concerns, please contact the dedicated NSPCC helpline on 0800 028 0828 for specialist support. We are working closely with the NSPCC to ensure every family affected receives the help they need.”
The parents of Chan's victims reacted to the guilty plea through legal team Leigh Day saying "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.
“We would like to thank the Metropolitan Police Service for their assistance and support so far, but appreciate that their investigations in this case are not yet complete.”