Teen nursery worker sentenced for child rape and abuse

Warning: This story contains distressing details

A teenage nursery worker who raped and sexually abused children as young as three has been sentenced to 10 years in a young offender institution.

Thomas Waller, now 18, was found guilty of multiple offences, including rape and inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, at Staines Magistrates' Court earlier this year.

Waller, who committed the offences in 2024, was arrested after a mother was told by her son that he had been abused in a toilet while at school.

At Guildford Crown Court, he was also sentenced to an additional five years on licence.

Within days of being able to look after children, Waller took advantage of his position to gain the trust of two boys in his care before exploiting them, the court heard.

The teenager was working at a nursery for the summer months, where his responsibilities included taking children to the toilet and helping them get changed, the court was told.

Sentencing him, Judge Claire Harden-Frost said it was "heartbreaking" to see the boys' parents feeling responsible for what happened.

In a statement, the nursery said: "We were, and remain, deeply shocked, saddened and sorry to learn of the actions of a former member of our staff.

"As soon as concerns were raised, we took immediate action, contacting the police without delay, suspending the individual concerned, and fully cooperating with the investigation."

It said a full review had been carried out and its safeguarding policies and staff training had been strengthened.

Jonathan Hulley, Surrey County Council cabinet member for children, family and lifelong learning, said he was "appalled" by the crimes committed by Waller.

"The wellbeing and safeguarding of children and young people is our absolute priority," he added.