Nursery Worker Remanded Over Child Sex Charges

A female nursery worker charged with seven charges relating to sexual assault and the distribution of indecent images of children has been remanded in custody.

Vanessa George, 39, who worked at the Little Ted’s nursery in Plymouth for three years, appeared before city magistrates to face four charges of sexual assault.

Ms George, of Plymouth, Devon, also faced one count each of making, possessing and distributing indecent images of children.

Police said they believe some of the images found may have been taken inside the nursery, in Laira, where she worked.

She appeared before a packed public gallery at the court and spoke only to confirm her name and address. She entered no pleas.

There were shouts and jeers of anger from the public gallery as the 39-year-old was remanded in custody to appear at Plymouth Corwn Court on 21 September.

As details of the charge were read, a man ran from the court in tears, while parents weeped and yelled. A man in a red T-shirt also leapt from the public gallery and spat at George.

Police had drafted in 20 officers at the court for the hearing on Thursday and a plastic barrier was erected round the entrance to the court where a group of people had congregated.

All the children photographed are believed to be under four years old.

The 39-year-old, mother-of-two, arrived at Plymouth Magistrates' Court at 7.10am, in a marked police van with blacked-out windows, tailed by two support vehicles.

Little Ted's, which operates from Laira Green Primary School and Laira United Church Hall, has two units.

Children in the nursery are aged between two and five, but youngsters up to the age of 11 can attend breakfast and after-school clubs.

Police have confirmed both units are currently closed.

(JM/NS)