A judge has labeled a nursery nurse as “sadistic” for mistreating 21 infants, resulting in her receiving an eight-year prison sentence. Judge Sarah Plaschkes KC emphasized that Roksana Lecka, aged 22, should be prohibited from working with children in the future due to her actions at two different nurseries. Lecka admitted to seven counts of cruelty to a minor under 16 years old and was found guilty of an additional 14 counts during a trial, characterized by the judge as “gratuitous” and “sadistic” behavior.
The court heard about the emotional turmoil and loss of trust experienced by the families of the victims once Lecka’s mistreatment came to light. It was revealed that Lecka had a cannabis addiction and was vaping during that period without disclosing this information to the main nursery.
During sentencing, Judge Plaschkes KC condemned Lecka for committing multiple acts of violence, including pinching, slapping, punching, smacking, and kicking the children. The judge described how Lecka would deliberately cause pain to the children when no one was watching, leading to distress and tears from the victims. The judge characterized Lecka’s behavior as sadistic, noting her calmness while observing the suffering she inflicted.
Lecka’s abusive actions were uncovered in June of the previous year when she was sent home for harming several children at Riverside Nursery in Twickenham, London. The offenses occurred between October 2023 and June 2024 at both Riverside and Little Munchkins nurseries. Parents of the affected children offered testimonies in court, with some jurors and Lecka’s relatives present during the sentencing.
Lecka, from Hounslow, was caught on CCTV at Riverside pinching and scratching children under their clothing on various body parts. The court was shown footage of Lecka kicking a boy in the face and covering a toddler’s mouth to stifle cries. One mother addressed Lecka directly during the proceedings, highlighting the vulnerability of the children and the betrayal of trust by the nursery nurse.
In her defense, Arlette Piercy mentioned Lecka’s remorse, her prior good conduct, and young age as mitigating factors. Lecka expressed regret in a letter to the court, acknowledging the impact of her actions and attributing her behavior to cannabis use. Despite being cleared of three counts of child cruelty, Lecka’s actions were deemed reprehensible by the court.