CARL GIBSON FROM NORTHAMPTON JAILED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT IN MARKET SQUARE
In a case that has shocked the Northampton community, Carl Gibson, aged 29, was sentenced to 20 months in prison after being found guilty of sexually assaulting a woman in the town's Market Square.The incident took place on February 10, when Gibson approached a woman near the Boots store, initiating a conversation that would lead to a distressing encounter.
According to court proceedings, the woman had no prior acquaintance with Gibson, yet he falsely claimed that they had met four years earlier.
During their interaction, Gibson asked her for a 'cuddle,' a request that quickly escalated into inappropriate behavior.
Prosecutor Caroline Bray detailed that Gibson then began kissing the woman's neck, an act that caused her to feel increasingly uncomfortable.
As the situation intensified, Gibson pushed the woman against a nearby wall and continued to kiss her despite her protests.
The woman, feeling threatened and distressed, managed to push him away and fled the scene to seek safety.
Law enforcement officers responded swiftly and arrested Gibson shortly after the incident.
During questioning, Gibson admitted to having taken a 'legal high' at the time of the assault.
This was not Gibson's first encounter with the law regarding similar conduct.
Court records revealed that he had previously assaulted women in the streets of Northampton.
Notably, in November 2009, Gibson received a jail sentence after attacking two teenage girls.
At the time of the recent assault, he was on licence, having been released from prison only in December of the previous year.
His Honour Judge Rupert Mayo presided over the case and delivered a stern sentence.
In his remarks, Judge Mayo described Gibson as having 'pestered, kissed and hugged' the victim, who was evidently in 'considerable fear.' The judge emphasized that Gibson's pattern of behavior indicated a dangerous and persistent threat to women.
Judge Mayo stated, 'This is the sort of offence you have committed in the past with victims who were younger.
I conclude you are a dangerous pest as you have committed this offence repeatedly.' As part of his sentence, Gibson was ordered to serve 20 months in prison.
Additionally, he was issued a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, which prohibits him from approaching any female he does not already know, aiming to prevent further incidents and protect potential victims in Northampton and beyond.
