Plymouth nursery woman charged with child abuse and porn
This afternoon, Vanessa George, 39, from Efford, Plymouth, who worked at Little Ted's nursery in Laira, has been charged with seven offences.
George has been charged with two counts of sexual assault by penetration, two counts of sexual assault by touching, and one count each of making, possessing and distributing indecent images of children.
Police said none of the children involved had yet been identified, but they said some of the images so far examined appear to have been taken in the nursery.
They said some of the children may never be identified as the process is 'very difficult and painstaking'. They revealed some of the images featured children's torsos rather than faces.
George remains in custody at Charles Cross Police Station in Plymouth and will be detained to appear before Plymouth Magistrates Court tomorrow.
At a press conference this afternoon it was announced that all parents at the nursery had been spoken to or visited by social workers.
Support and counselling is being offered by Plymouth City Council and NHS Plymouth with a special phoneline providing access to healthcare professional, educational psychologist, social workers and others.
Police revealed they are examining a number of images found on devices including a mobile phone. They said it was unclear over what period the images had been taken.
George has worked at the nursery for three years.
Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed their investigation was focused on the alleged exchange of material between George and Colin Blanchard, 38, from Littleborough, near Rochdale.
Blanchard was yesterday charged with possession and distribution of indecent images.
Senior officers told the press this afternoon that they were currently looking at a “small number” of images on a camera phone, some of which they believed were taken inside the Little Ted’s nursery in Laira, Plymouth.
Police press conference: Wednesday, June 10.
Police press conference: questions form the media. Wednesday, June 10.
Plymouth City Council director of children and young people's services Bronwyn Lacey said 95 to 100 parent had been spoken to, and she praised their 'measured' response to the 'shocking' news.
Police continue to speak to staff at the Little Ted’s Child Day Care Unit and parents of children at the centre.
Around 100 people attended a meeting last night, Tuesday, June 9, at the St Paul’s Church in Plymouth where Plymouth District Commander Chief Superintendent Jim Webster spoke to parents and those associated with the nursery along with Plymouth City Council’s Director of Children and Young People’s Services, Bronwyn Lacey .
Ch Supt Webster said: “We continue to talk extensively with members of our community who are naturally concerned about these charges.
“Last night’s meeting was well attended by those people associated with the nursery and we took the opportunity to allay their fears where possible and also further the police investigation into the allegations.
“We will continue to liaise with local groups and people associated with the nursery and are committed with our partners to update concerned and interested parties at the earliest opportunity.”
Read the full report from today's Herald here
Police press conference: June 9.
