Convicted paedophile worked at play centre and nursery

A paedophile who abused three young children worked at a nursery and a children's play centre, police confirmed today.

Aaron Collis, 24, whose victims were aged between two and seven, was found out when a neighbour borrowed his camera and discovered images of child abuse.

News of Collis's conviction comes as police continue to investigate a paedophile ring involving Plymouth nursery worker Vanessa George.

Collis, who worked at Cambridge's Funky Fun House play centre and Snap! nursery, pleaded guilty to 12 offences at Cambridge Crown Court last Wednesday.

He admitted crimes including sexual assault, inciting children to engage in sexual activity and taking indecent photos of a child between January 2008 and July this year.

However, police said there was no evidence to suggest any offences were committed where he worked.

A Cambridgeshire Police spokeswoman said all the usual investigations had been carried out before he started his employment.

"Collis had no previous record and there was no intelligence on him to suggest that there should be any concern about him," she said.

She added that there was no suggestion that Collis's offences were linked to the case of George, who worked at Little Ted's Nursery in Plymouth.

Collis admitted two counts of sexual assault of a child under the age of 13, six counts of assault of a child under the age of 13 by penetration and inciting a child under the age of 13 to engage in sexual activity.

He also pleaded guilty to taking indecent photographs of a child, possession of indecent images of a child and distributing indecent photographs of children.

Manager of Funky Fun House Tim Wilson said Collis worked in the centre's reception for four months in 2005 and two months in 2007.

He said: "We had worked through checks that said he was suitable to work with children.

"When people come to work at Funky Fun House, as part of the application process they are subject to a CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) check.

"In addition to that we do a List 99 check which gives us an instant report on whether they have a criminal record.

"We're not a service where our staff are left on their own looking after children - parents usually stay with their children while they play."

Mr Wilson added: "We are 100% happy he hadn't been in a position where he could have put any child at risk."

Collis, of no fixed address, was remanded in custody until he is sentenced on October 28.