Nursery worker in court to face child sex charges

Zara Lancashire could go on trial at St Albans Crown Court in March

A 20-year-old woman who worked at a children's nursery could go on trial next year after being charged with child sex offences.

Zara Lancashire, 20, of Datchworth Turn, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, has been accused of sexually assaulting a child, making and distributing indecent images of a child - and publishing an obscene article "via a chat application".

Ms Lancashire, who has been remanded in custody pending trial, appeared before a judge at a preliminary hearing in St Albans Crown Court on Wednesday.

Judge Lana Wood said a trial could start in March 2026.

The judge discussed procedural issues with prosecution and defence lawyers at the hearing.

Ms Lancashire, who appeared via video link, spoke only to confirm her name.

She was not asked to enter pleas to any charges.

Judge Wood said a further preliminary hearing would be staged on 3 December.