Former nursery assistant jailed for 18 years after police discover over one million indecent images in child abuse probe

An alert about children being secretly filmed at a Camden nursery in June 2024 triggered an investigation that would expose nearly twenty years of systematic child sexual abuse and result in an 18-year prison sentence handed down this week.
Police responding to concerns about unauthorized recording seized 69 electronic devices from Vincent Chan following his arrest on 11 June 2024. Forensic examination of the equipment revealed substantial quantities of indecent photographs and videos depicting children, along with evidence showing direct physical abuse of young victims.
The 45-year-old from Stanhope Avenue, Finchley, received his sentence at Wood Green Crown Court on Thursday, 12 February, after admitting to 56 separate offences. He will face strict monitoring under a Sexual Harm Prevention Order upon his eventual release from custody.
Chan had worked across various educational settings since 2006, holding positions as a supply teacher, IT support staff member, and nursery assistant. Detectives examining seized devices traced his offending behaviour back to 2007, uncovering sexual assault, voyeurism, upskirting, and a sexual act performed on school grounds.
Officers spent hundreds of hours reviewing more than 300 hours of recorded material, working alongside the Crown Prosecution Service to build a case that ultimately resulted in 30 additional charges beyond the initial allegations. The defendant entered guilty pleas to 26 counts on 3 December, followed by admissions to 30 further charges on 29 January.
Twenty victims have been identified during the investigation, including four young children who suffered contact abuse or were subjects of indecent imagery. Every victim or their guardian has received a visit from specially trained local officers who provided information about the case and connected families with specialist support services.
A representative speaking on behalf of families whose children attended the nursery where numerous offences occurred described the permanent impact on their community. The statement referenced the lasting trauma of uncertainty, noting that ordinary early childhood memories have become tainted with doubt and anxiety. The representative said the fear surrounding the violation of their children would never fully disappear.
Detective Superintendent Lewis Basford, who led the investigation, emphasized that the primary focus throughout remained on victims rather than the perpetrator. He acknowledged the trust shown by families during an extremely traumatic process, which enabled investigators to secure additional charges and achieve the substantial sentence.
The NSPCC has established a dedicated support line at 0800 028 0828 for families, professionals, and anyone requiring assistance or wishing to report safeguarding concerns related to the case.
Kellie Ann Fitzgerald, the charity’s Assistant Director for London and the South East, stated that with appropriate support, children who have experienced abuse can recover. Specialists manning the helpline are positioned to ensure everyone affected by Chan’s crimes receives necessary assistance.
Chan was charged with child sexual offences on 9 September 2025 and has remained in custody throughout the legal proceedings. The Metropolitan Police investigation involved thousands of officer hours dedicated to victim identification, evidence gathering, and maintaining communication with affected families during the prosecution process.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​