Strood man admits creating illegal AI deepfake images
Harry Geddes pleads guilty in Kent's first AI deepfake conviction case
Harry Geddes, a 28-year-old from Strood, has become the first individual in Kent to confess to creating sexually explicit AI deepfakes.
The landmark case follows new legislation introduced in February 2026, which criminalises the creation of such images using real people without their consent.
Breach of Sexual Harm Prevention Order
Geddes is subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) due to a previous offence, which includes monitoring software on his mobile device.
On 23rd March, this software alerted authorities to Geddes viewing explicit content featuring individuals appearing underage.
Further examination of his phone revealed he had uploaded images, sourced from social media, of adult women and a child into an AI platform to generate sexually explicit scenarios.
Legal Proceedings Begin
Investigators from North Kent's sexual offenders management team discovered Geddes had breached his SHPO by using aliases and accessing websites that masked browsing history.
On 10th June, Geddes was arrested and subsequently charged the next day for creating purported intimate images of two people without consent, possessing indecent images of a child, and breaching his SHPO.
On 11th June, Geddes appeared at Medway Magistrates’ Court, where he pleaded guilty to all charges.
His next court appearance is scheduled at Maidstone Crown Court, with the date yet to be confirmed.
Detective's Warning
Detective Sergeant Fleur Hardie highlighted the importance of legislation in addressing AI-related criminal activities:
‘With AI usage rising, new legislation is increasingly needed to meet the criminality that can be committed through it."
Hardie emphasised the harm caused by these acts:
"Using AI to create intimate images is not a victimless offence and it can cause victims immense distress."
Her message to potential offenders was clear:
"Geddes may be the first to be convicted of creating explicit AI deepfakes, but anyone doing the same should be aware that this is a crime and we will come after you."