An 18-year-old nursery worker in the U.K. has been found guilty of raping and sexually abusing children as young as three, in a case that has shocked parents and childcare professionals alike.
Thomas Waller, who had recently become certified to work with children, targeted his young victims inside the nursery’s bathroom, authorities said. His crimes took place last year.
Waller appeared in court on Friday, where a judge described his offenses as “extremely serious.” He was ordered to appear in Crown Court for sentencing, where he faces up to 17 years in prison.
The charges against him include rape, inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, and taking indecent images of children.
One mother, whose 3-year-old child was among the victims, called Waller a “very dangerous individual.” Speaking to BBC South East, she said, “That he can do this at such a young age and in such a calculated way, I find very frightening.”
She said she learned of the abuse when her son came home from nursery and told her what had happened. “He told me, in three-year-old terms, that he’d been sexually assaulted at nursery by one of the staff,” she said. “It was shocking to hear.”
The mother immediately informed the nursery, which contacted police. Waller was arrested later that evening.
Authorities have not released the name of the nursery to protect the identities of the victims.
Waller will be sentenced in the coming weeks.
What a sicko!!!! Those poor children will never be the same……Is the electric chair available?????