Daycare worker caught smearing leftover food on child’s face before trying to cover up crime jailed

A nursery worker who smeared food on a child’s face has been jailed.

Helen Walker picked up the remains and shoved them in the toddler’s face before ignoring his cries of distress.

Immediately after the incident, on February 24, 2023, the 49-year-old woman attempted to cover up her actions.

Walker, of Watson Avenue, Mansfield, was jailed for five months at Nottingham Crown Court on Wednesday (May 15).

She previously pleaded guilty to one count of assault, abuse or neglect of a child.

When police were alerted to the incident, detectives began a detailed investigation to determine exactly what happened.

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By analyzing CCTV footage, they were able to prove that Walker had picked up the food and then deliberately searched for the child, who had additional needs.

After smearing his face with food, Walker was then seen trying to cover up the offence.

She was seen on CCTV approaching another child and suggested loudly that the young victim had taken the food from them.

Investigator Jacqui Edwards, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “Nursery staff are placed in the ultimate position of trust to care for young children.

“Walker betrayed that trust with these appalling actions, which are further compounded by the fact that our young victim has additional needs.

“She then attempted to portray the child as a troublemaker in an attempt to cover up what she had done.

“The protection of children is of paramount importance to the force. Once alerted to this offence, specialist officers carried out a thorough investigation which led to this outcome in court.

“I would like to thank the child’s parents for their help in what must have been a very difficult experience. We will continue to support them in any way we can.

“The staff and management of the nursery should also be commended for taking immediate action against Walker and informing the police.

“They also supported our investigation throughout.”