A 26-year-old teaching assistant from Helmond has been sentenced to eight years in prison and compulsory psychiatric treatment for sexually abusing children under the age of 12.

The court was told that Wesley W had abused at least 20 victims over a period of 10 years. Until recently he worked as a classroom assistant at a primary school in his home town and also babysat for families. The abuse took place both at the school and at the children’s homes.

The youngest victim was two years old and the oldest 10, regional broadcaster Omroep Brabant reported.

W was arrested in September 2024 after several parents raised concerns about him. He has admitted almost all the offences.