Nursery worker detained for 10 years for rape and sexual abuse

The mother of one victim said Thomas Waller had used his "skills" to "build trust with my son and then exploit him", while the parent of another victim described his actions as "premeditated and calculated".

Friday 14 November 2025 22:08, UK

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A nursery worker has been detained for 10 years for rape and sexual abuse against boys as young as three.

Warning: Readers may find details in this story distressing.

Thomas Waller, 18, took advantage of his position to gain the trust of two boys in his care before exploiting them, Guildford Crown Court heard.

The teenager from Farnham, Surrey, was working at a nursery and his responsibilities included taking children to the toilet and helping them get changed.

Sentencing him on Friday, Judge Claire Harden-Frost said it was "heartbreaking" to see the victims' parents feeling responsible for what had happened.

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

He was sentenced to 15 years at a young offender institution, of which he must serve 10 in detention and five on licence.

In a victim impact statement, one parent said: "This was not an accident. It was not a poor decision on the spur of the moment, it was premeditated and calculated.

"This man continually gave no comment. This man chose to deny everything. He has had every opportunity to plead guilty and express remorse, and he has chosen not to. He has demonstrated no accountability for his actions."

Another father of a victim said his son had "gathered a collection of memories that I would never wish on a human being".

He described Waller as "cold, sinister and calculated". He added, "Tom cannot be allowed to do this again."

Meanwhile, another mother told the court in a statement that Waller had used his "skills" to "build trust with my son and then exploit him".

She added that "beautiful, brave, clever son" questioned his own guilt as a result of giving evidence at court.

Speaking outside court, Detective Superintendent Kate Hyde said a "dangerous man" had been put behind bars.

"This deeply distressing case is every parent's worst nightmare, and I would like to pay tribute to the victims and their families for their resilience throughout this whole process.

"Their support and strength enabled us to secure convictions and put a dangerous man behind bars.

"I hope the fact he has been brought to justice for the crimes he has committed helps the families affected by his crimes to start to move forward with their lives," she added.