Daycare worker Thomas Waller convicted of rape and child abuse

Warning: This story contains disturbing details.

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

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

Waller, who committed the offenses in Surrey in 2024, was arrested after his son told a mother he had been abused in a bathroom while at daycare.

At Guildford Crown Court, he was also sentenced to a further five years’ licence.

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

The teenager worked at a nursery during the summer months, where his responsibilities included taking the children to the toilet and helping them change, the court was told.

In a victim impact statement, one of the boys’ parents said their son had “gathered a collection of memories that he would never wish on a human being.”

Sentencing him, Judge Claire Harden-Frost said it was “heartbreaking” to see the children’s parents feel responsible for what happened.

The nursery, which cannot be named for legal reasons, said: “We were and continue to be deeply shocked, saddened and saddened to learn of the actions of a former member of our staff.

“As soon as concerns were raised, we took immediate action, contacted the police without delay, suspended the individual concerned and fully cooperated 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’s cabinet member for children, families and lifelong learning, said he was “horrified” by the crimes committed by Waller.

“The well-being and safeguarding of children and young people is our absolute priority,” he added.

Waller was found guilty of rape, two counts of causing or inciting sexual activity and taking indecent photographs after a trial at Staines Youth Court earlier this year.

The crime occurred at a daycare center in Surrey between July and August 2024.