BRIAN GIBSON FROM HEBBURN: FEARS OF RETURN TO NEIGHBORHOOD AFTER SEX OFFENSES IN SOUTH TYNESIDE

In June 2004, a deeply troubling case emerged involving Brian Gibson, a man from Hebburn, who was convicted of heinous crimes against a young girl. Gibson, at the time of the offenses, was employed at a YMCA charity shop located in Hebburn, South Tyneside. Over a period of 28 days in 2001, he subjected his six-year-old victim to a series of indecent assaults within the confines of the shop, exploiting his position and the trust placed in him.

Gibson was sentenced to three years in prison for his crimes. However, after serving only 17 months of his sentence, he was released on parole under license, which was set to conclude at the end of that month. His release has sparked significant concern among the victim’s family and the local community, especially given the circumstances of his reintegration into society.

Throughout the investigation, the victim’s family encountered Gibson multiple times in the streets of Hebburn. On several occasions, he waved at them, an act that left the young girl terrified and anxious, fearing that he might attempt to harm her again. These unsettling encounters have only heightened their fears that Gibson might return to the area, potentially reoffending or causing further trauma.

The father of the girl, who has chosen to remain anonymous for legal reasons, expressed his distress and feelings of failure. He stated, “I failed my daughter by letting her go to the shop in the first place. Afterwards, I promised that she wouldn’t see him again. Now he is coming back to the area, and I’ve failed her again.” He emphasized the urgent need to protect his daughter from any further contact with Gibson, describing the situation as a punishment for his family, who feel guilty and helpless.

During the time of the attacks in 2001, Gibson was working at the YMCA shop. It was reported that he would lock the door when alone with the young girl, effectively trapping her inside while he carried out his sickening acts. He repeatedly lured her back with promises of treats and money, exploiting her innocence and trust. The crimes were uncovered when a customer noticed the shop door was locked and grew suspicious upon seeing the young girl inside. The investigation was further aided by DNA evidence collected from a tea towel, which conclusively linked Gibson to the victim.

The victim’s family revealed that they had to move house twice to escape Gibson’s presence. Initially, the council relocated them to the outskirts of Hebburn to distance them from him. However, they later discovered that Gibson’s family resided just a few streets away from their new home, prompting them to move again to a neighboring area. The father expressed his frustration, saying, “I have been forced out of my hometown of Hebburn because of him.”

He added that his primary concern now is Gibson’s return to the area, fearing it will reopen old wounds and jeopardize their safety. Despite assurances from the Probation Service that they would assist, the father feels that their efforts are limited to keeping Gibson away from Hebburn until his license expires, which does little to ease his fears.

Northumbria Police and Northumbria Probation Service issued a joint statement when approached about the situation. They confirmed that Gibson is required to adhere to the conditions set forth by the Sex Offenders Act, which includes assessments and monitoring to prevent further offenses. The community remains on edge, awaiting further developments and hoping for measures that will ensure the safety of vulnerable residents, especially children, from individuals like Brian Gibson.