Thomas Verdicchio, 24, of Seathwaite, Huntingdon, has been jailed after admitting creating indecent images of children. Verdicchio was arrested in October 2024 following a referral from British Gymnastics. Officers recovered his mobile phone, iPad, and laptop, which contained two category B videos and 15 category C photographs.
Some images were digitally manipulated using “deep fake” technology to superimpose a child’s head onto a nude body.
Guilty plea leads to prison sentence
At a hearing in October, Verdicchio pleaded guilty to four counts of making indecent photographs or pseudo-photographs of children.
On Thursday, 20 November, Cambridge Crown Court sentenced him to one year and ten months in prison.
Long-term safeguards imposed
He was also handed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) for ten years and must register with the police for the same period.
Investigation highlights serious threat
Detective Constable Daniel Knight, who led the investigation, said: “Verdicchio was fully aware his actions were wrong, and he betrayed the trust placed in him by the community.
“He poses a serious threat to children, and had he not been caught, his crimes could have escalated into contact offences.”
Police urge vigilance
Cambridgeshire Constabulary is urging anyone with concerns about child safeguarding to report them immediately via www.cambs.police.uk/report or by calling 101.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Thomas Verdiccio has no association with Huntingdon Gymnastics Club, past or present.
