JOHN GIBBS SENTENCED TO 14 YEARS IN PRISON IN EASTBOURNE FOR CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE
An Eastbourne man, John Gibbs, 50, who sexually abused a young girl over a period of five years, has been sentenced to 14 years in prison following an investigation by Sussex Police safeguarding detectives.Gibbs, a cleaner residing on Shanklin Close, Eastbourne, was convicted at Lewes Crown Court on Thursday, 11 November, of two counts of rape and three counts of sexual assault against a girl who was under 13 at the time.
He will be subject to a lifelong registration as a sex offender and has been issued a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) that remains in effect until further court order.
The SHPO prohibits him from having any contact with his victim or her family and from residing in any household where children under 16 are present.
Detective Constable Hugh Charles of Sussex Police explained, “Gibbs came to know the girl and over a period of time he ingratiated himself with her and initially gained her confidence before systematically sexually abusing her, solely for his own pleasure.” He added, “Only when she eventually felt able to disclose to family members what had happened was this reported to us, and action was taken immediately, resulting in Gibbs' arrest and his subsequent prosecution three years later.” Responding to the sentencing, the victim’s mother said, “This result was all my daughter wanted, for him to know he’d done wrong.
For the first time in three years, she’s gone to the shops to buy sweets without having to look over her shoulder, and I hope sooner than later we will get to see a smile again.” She also expressed her gratitude, stating, “I also want to thank the police and the support services at Survivors Network for all their hard work and support they have given to me and my daughter.” Detective Constable Hugh Charles further acknowledged the efforts of colleagues, saying, “I also want to thank my colleagues, Detective Constables Steve Wormley, Lisa Wells, and Laura Powell for their contributions in helping to bring Gibbs to justice.
This was a team effort on behalf of the victim.”
