In a recent development, a nursery worker named Roksana Lecka, who was imprisoned for mistreating 21 infants while under the influence of drugs, may soon be released shortly after her sentencing as she is set to be transferred back to her home country of Poland.
Lecka, now 23, is scheduled to depart from the UK today, transferring responsibility for her care to the Polish authorities. During a nine-month period, she subjected a child to relentless physical abuse characterized as “gratuitous” and “sadistic.”
The parents of the victims testified in court about their feelings of devastation, remorse, and lack of trust. Lecka’s actions came to light when caregivers and parents noticed bruises and scratches on the children.
Following her guilty plea to seven counts of cruelty to minors and conviction on 14 additional charges, Lecka was sentenced to eight years in prison last September. During her sentencing, Judge Sarah Plaschkes KC described how Lecka physically assaulted the children in various ways, including pinching, slapping, punching, and kicking them.
The uncertainty surrounding whether Lecka will complete her full sentence or be released has left the parents of the affected children distressed. Concerns have been raised about potential risks if she is left unsupervised, with fears that she could harm more children.
In response to inquiries, Minister for Border Security and Asylum, Alex Norris, assured that while Lecka is not obligated to serve the remainder of her sentence in Poland, the Polish authorities have been informed of her convictions to ensure appropriate safeguarding measures are implemented.
The situation has sparked outrage among the impacted families, who demand that justice be served for their children. There are apprehensions that Lecka’s relocation could pose a threat to children in Poland or other countries if she goes unpunished.
Expressing solidarity with the victims, Victims Minister Alex Davies-Jones extended her condolences to all those affected by these abhorrent acts.
Lecka’s abusive behavior at Riverside Nursery in Twickenham, southwest London, was uncovered in June 2024, leading to the closure of the facility. She had been employed at the nursery from January to June 2024, during which time she reportedly used drugs before shifts and was captured on CCTV vaping near an infant.
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