JOHN HIBBERD SENTENCED FOR ABUSE IN CHISWICK AND ISLE OF WIGHT CHURCHES

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the communities of Chiswick and the Isle of Wight, John Hibberd, a former Anglican vicar, has been convicted on six counts of indecent assault. The offences, which span several decades, include the abuse of an altar boy at a church in Chiswick, and other victims who came forward with allegations dating back to the late 1960s.

John Charles Hibberd, aged 77 at the time of sentencing, was found guilty of six separate counts of indecent assault by Kingston Crown Court. The oldest of these offences occurred in 1967, highlighting a disturbing pattern of abuse that persisted over many years. The court sentenced Hibberd to a total of seven years and two months in prison for his crimes.

Hibberd's long-standing association with the Church of England in West London played a significant role in the case. It was revealed that he worked within the church community for many years, during which time he targeted vulnerable young boys. The investigation was triggered when, on February 20, 2013, one of Hibberd’s victims contacted the police to report sexual abuse that had taken place decades earlier. This initial complaint led to further inquiries and the identification of two additional victims.

Details emerged that Hibberd had lived in Chiswick with his family during his youth. His mother took him to attend St James Church in Gunnersbury from the ages of seven to eight, and he continued attending until he was 12. During this period, Hibberd became an altar boy, a role that he exploited to carry out his abusive acts. The police investigation uncovered that Hibberd had targeted this young boy for sexual abuse during his time at the church.

Further into the investigation, two other victims came forward. One male victim disclosed that he had attended the choir at St Martin’s Church in West Drayton in 1967 as a child, and later attended the school associated with the church. He revealed that he had participated in confirmation classes at the church, during which Hibberd sexually assaulted him on approximately six or seven occasions.

Another man also stepped forward, claiming that he had been part of the church choir at St Martin’s and attended the linked school between 1969 and 1970. He recounted that Hibberd had attempted to sexually assault him during that period. These allegations further cemented the pattern of abuse linked to Hibberd’s involvement with church communities.

Following the allegations, Hibberd was arrested on the Isle of Wight, where he had retired over 15 years ago. He was taken in for questioning and interviewed regarding all the accusations made against him. Throughout the police interviews, Hibberd categorically denied all charges, refusing to admit any wrongdoing or acknowledge the harm caused to his victims.

Hibberd’s case underscores the long-lasting impact of abuse within religious institutions and highlights the importance of justice for victims. His sentencing marks a significant step in addressing these historic crimes and serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance and accountability within community organizations.