A depraved paedophile who concealed hundreds of indecent images in a phone app disguised as a calculator has been sentenced to 18 years in prison. Michele Scappatacci, 58, formerly of Clitheroe, Lancashire, sexually assaulted a young girl over a four-year period and recorded his crimes on his mobile device.
Brave Victim Led to Arrest
Police launched an investigation in November 2025 after the victim, despite her young age, demonstrated remarkable courage by disclosing the abuse. Officers discovered that Scappatacci had repeatedly sexually assaulted the child and photographed the offences.
Hidden Stash of Abuse Material
Examination of Scappatacci's phone revealed a calculator app protected by a PIN code. Inside, detectives found 888 indecent images and videos, including footage of Scappatacci abusing the victim.
Scappatacci was arrested by Lancashire Constabulary and later charged with multiple offences, including three counts of raping a child, two counts of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, four counts of sexual assault on a child, two counts of causing a child to watch a sexual act, three counts of making indecent photographs of a child, three counts of taking an indecent photograph of a child, possessing a prohibited image of a child, and possessing an extreme pornographic image.
Guilty Plea and Sentence
Scappatacci pleaded guilty at Preston Crown Court. On June 4, he was sentenced to 18 years in prison, with an additional eight years on extended license.
Police Praise Victim's Strength
Detective Constable Marriam Fatima, of East Child Protection, commended the victim: “Despite her young age, she has shown an incredible sense of strength in what must have been an incredibly distressing time. It is because she had the courage to tell someone what had happened that Scappatacci has been brought to justice.”
DC Fatima added: “Scappatacci’s behaviour was nothing short of disgustingly paedophilic. He sexually abused a young girl for his own sordid interests. I welcome the considerable sentence handed down to him. Nothing will change what he did, but I hope she can begin to rebuild her life knowing he has been brought to justice.”
She urged other victims to come forward: “If you are a victim of any sexual offence, please know that we want to help you. We will listen, investigate appropriately, and do all we can to get you justice.”
