TOMMASO RASETTI FROM TOTTON SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN SOUTHAMPTON

In August 2021, a disturbing case emerged involving Tommaso Rasetti, a resident of Harwood Close in Totton, who was found guilty of engaging in predatory online behavior targeting minors. The incident came to light when Rasetti, then 42 years old, initiated a series of inappropriate communications with a person he believed was a 13-year-old girl, but who was actually an undercover police officer posing as a schoolgirl.

Using the popular messaging application Kik, Rasetti sent a barrage of sexual messages, revealing personal details about himself, including his marital status and his self-described perverted tendencies. He even mentioned establishing a group called Southampton Cross Dressing, which he used to share his interests. These messages were part of a calculated attempt to groom and exploit a minor, although in reality, Rasetti was communicating with law enforcement officers.

Prosecutor Richard Cherrill explained that when Rasetti was initially apprehended and questioned, he denied any involvement in chatting with a child. However, subsequent examination of his electronic devices uncovered a disturbing collection of 51 indecent images, further implicating him in child exploitation.

Rasetti appeared before Southampton Crown Court, where he faced multiple charges, including attempting to communicate with a person under 16 for sexual gratification, attempting to incite a girl to engage in sexual activity, and the possession and distribution of indecent images of children. He pleaded guilty to all charges during an earlier court hearing, acknowledging his guilt for offenses committed during the summer of 2019.

During the proceedings, it was revealed that Rasetti had previously withdrawn from the Nursing and Midwifery Council and had since secured new employment, indicating an attempt to move on from his past actions. His legal representative urged the court to consider a suspended sentence, emphasizing the potential for rehabilitation.

However, Judge Peter Henry sentenced Rasetti to six months in prison, suspended for two years. As part of his sentence, Rasetti is required to complete 31 sessions of an accredited sex offender treatment program, participate in ten rehabilitation activity days, and perform 150 hours of unpaid community work. Additionally, he will be registered as a sex offender for seven years and will be subject to a sexual harm prevention order, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions to prevent further offending.