DARREN GIBSON PLYMOUTH AMBULANCE MANAGER PERVERT CAUGHT WITH CHILD ABUSE IMAGES

In a case that has shocked the community of Plymouth, Darren Gibson, a 44-year-old former ambulance manager, was sentenced to nine months in prison after admitting to possessing a vast collection of indecent images of children. The disturbing discovery was made after Gibson’s then-partner uncovered the illicit material on CDs stored in a drawer at his residence and promptly reported her findings to the police.

Authorities found that Gibson’s personal laptop, work computer, and the CDs contained over 3,000 pornographic images depicting children, including eight classified in the most severe categories of abuse. The images predominantly featured children aged 10 or under, including infants and toddlers, highlighting the disturbing nature of his offenses.

Gibson, who resided on Dundas Street in Stoke, pleaded guilty to 13 counts of making indecent images of children and one count of possessing such images. His appearance at Plymouth Crown Court for sentencing revealed the full extent of his crimes and their impact on his life.

During the hearing, the court was informed that the images were mostly of very young children, with some as young as babies and toddlers. The defense, represented by Martin Salloway, argued that Gibson had downloaded the images while intoxicated and expressed that he felt profound shame and disgust over his actions. It was also noted that his criminal behavior had led to the loss of his employment, his relationship, and access to the child his partner was expecting at the time she discovered the images.

Judge Miranda Robertshaw addressed Gibson directly, stating, “You deny getting any sexual gratification from the images and are described as having a lack of insight. It’s plain that you are in denial of your offending and its motivation. Alcohol was an uninhibiting rather than a causing factor of your abusive conduct.”

The police investigation was triggered on July 17, 2009, after Gibson’s partner, who had been staying at his home, found the CDs while she was tidying up. The day before, Gibson had gone on a work trip to Dublin, leaving her at the house. She noticed his constant calls and texts, which aroused her suspicion that he was trying to hide something, possibly related to past relationships or illicit material.

The following day, she returned to the house, examined the disks on her laptop, and discovered the disturbing images. She then took the CDs to the police, leading to a search of Gibson’s residence and his work computer. The police findings confirmed the allegations, and Gibson was subsequently charged.

Gibson’s professional background included a 21-year career with the NHS ambulance service, where he previously worked as a public relations manager for the Westcountry Ambulance Services NHS Trust. He joined the private healthcare sector in June 2003 and was recognized with an award from the Ambulance Service Institute. Most recently, he was employed by a private ambulance company based in Plymouth, but he has since left that position.

During the court proceedings, Gibson presented character references, which the judge acknowledged. Judge Robertshaw remarked, “It is unfortunate, and I don’t hold it against you, that one of your references sought to criticise the behaviour of your partner in going to the authorities. On the contrary, she did the right thing.”

In her sentencing, Judge Robertshaw ordered Gibson to serve nine months in prison. She also imposed restrictions, including a five-year ban on possessing computers capable of downloading images and a requirement that he disclose the nature of his offences if he is to spend time alone with a child or share a household with one. The case underscores the serious nature of child exploitation crimes and the importance of vigilance and swift action in protecting vulnerable children.