JEFFREY GILBERT OF BRADFORD SENTENCED TO 18 YEARS FOR ABUSE OF YOUNG GIRLS
In a case that has shocked the community of Bradford, Jeffrey Gilbert, a 56-year-old man from Daisy Hill, was sentenced to a lengthy prison term of 18 years for the heinous sexual abuse of two young girls from the area.The conviction came after a detailed trial at Bradford Crown Court, where Gilbert was found guilty of multiple counts of rape and attempted rape, revealing a disturbing pattern of predatory behavior spanning several years.
Gilbert faced a total of 13 charges, including 11 counts of rape and two counts of attempted rape.
The jury acquitted him of two other allegations.
The court heard that Gilbert’s offenses began when one of the victims was only seven years old, with the abuse continuing over a period that extended into her teenage years.
The second girl was abused when she was 11 years old.
The incidents reportedly took place in a flat located within Bradford during the 1990s, a period marked by Gilbert’s repeated violations.
During the proceedings, it was revealed that Gilbert had previously served a two-year prison sentence for a serious sexual offense against another girl, highlighting a troubling pattern of behavior.
The court was also informed that Gilbert’s denial of the crimes had placed his victims, now young women, under the immense pressure of reliving their traumatic experiences in court.
Judge Peter Benson acknowledged their bravery, praising their courage in coming forward despite the pain involved.
As part of his sentence, Gilbert will serve a minimum of nine years behind bars, after which he will be subject to lifelong supervision under license.
Additionally, he is required to register as a sex offender indefinitely, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities.
The victims, who did not know each other, provided similar testimonies about Gilbert’s repeated abuse, which included acts of molestation, coercion, and exploitation.
One girl recounted that Gilbert would often abuse her during the years she was between seven and 14, and she described how she eventually pushed him away at age 14 after suffering years of trauma.
She also told the court that Gilbert attempted to kiss her, an act that led her to cease visiting his home.
The second victim, now in her late 20s, shared that Gilbert had molested her during play fighting and had given her money and taken her shopping during the period of abuse.
She admitted to confiding in her mother and close friends about the sexual abuse but explained that she did not report it to the police immediately, as she was not ready to do so at the time.
Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Jodie Hayes of the Bradford District Safeguarding Unit commented on the case, stating, “Gilbert took advantage of each of his victims, using his position of responsibility to commit what were a series of despicable and depraved acts.” She emphasized the bravery of the victims in coming forward, noting that their actions had ensured Gilbert’s removal from the community and his subsequent imprisonment.
Her words underscored the importance of speaking out against such crimes and the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to protect vulnerable individuals from predators like Gilbert.
