A shocking news story has emerged from London. Vincent Chan, a 45-year-old man, received an 18-year prison sentence. This happened on February 12, 2026. He committed horrific abuse against children over many years. In fact, his crimes spanned nearly two decades. The judge called his actions “utterly wicked.” Chan admitted to 56 serious charges. These included sexual assault and creating indecent images. The sentencing took place at Wood Green Crown Court.
A Trail of Abuse
Vincent Chan targeted his victims over a long period. His abuse began around 2007 or 2008. It continued until 2024. The victims ranged in age. Some were as young as two years old. Others were adults, even a retiree in her 70s. Chan’s crimes were varied and vile. He committed sexual assault by penetration. He also committed sexual assault by touching. Furthermore, he took and made indecent images of children. He even used AI software for deepfake images. His actions escalated over time.
Workplaces of Betrayal
Chan worked in sensitive roles. For ten years, he was an IT support worker and teaching assistant. This was at St. Mary’s Church of England Primary School in north London. There, he filmed up young girls’ skirts. He also filmed himself performing sexual acts in a classroom. Later, Chan moved to a Bright Horizons nursery. He worked there from 2017 until 2024. He sexually assaulted young girls at this nursery. Some victims were just three or four years old. He filmed himself abusing them during nap times. He used nursery-issued iPads for some of his offending.
Discovery and Investigation
The horrific crimes were uncovered by chance. A colleague at the Bright Horizons nursery noticed Chan’s actions. He showed a colleague a video he made on a work iPad. This video showed a distressed child. Chan thought it was funny. The colleague reported him. This led to a police investigation. Detectives seized many electronic devices from Chan. They found a vast collection of indecent images. Over 26,000 images were discovered. Many were severe Category A images. The Metropolitan Police called the case “harrowing and complex.”
Sentencing and Legal Action
Vincent Chan pleaded guilty to all 56 charges. He admitted his guilt at earlier hearings. At his sentencing, the judge imposed a substantial jail term. Chan received 18 years in prison. He will also spend an extra eight years on extended license. This means he faces further consequences if he re-offends. The total sentence is effectively 26 years.
Failing Safeguards and Parental Outrage
Parents of the victims are devastated. They entrusted Chan with their children’s care. Now, many are taking legal action. They are suing Bright Horizons. Parents allege the nursery chain had a “consistent culture of brushing concerns aside.” They question how Chan was hired and supervised. Many feel safeguarding systems failed completely. The nursery branch involved has since closed. A Child Safeguarding Practice Review is underway. The NSPCC has set up a dedicated helpline for those affected by this news. This disturbing trend highlights critical issues in child protection nationwide. The case is a stark reminder for the industry. It serves as trending news in London.
