JOHN HIBBERD AND SHOCKING SEXUAL ABUSE IN ISLE OF MAN

A former vicar and dedicated charity supporter, John Hibberd, has been sentenced to a prison term of seven years and two months after being convicted of historic indecent assaults, including actions against an altar boy. The conviction stems from a district court case held at Kingston Crown Court in London, where Hibberd, aged 77, was found guilty on six counts of indecent assault that date back several decades.

John Charles Hibberd, originally from Chiswick in London, has a history of religious service and community involvement. Before retiring, he served as a priest in the London area and later held the position of finance secretary within the Diocese of London. His career spanned twelve years before he relocated to the Isle of Man, where he settled in a bungalow at Lake. During his time there, he was actively involved in local organizations, volunteering at the Isle of Man Steam Railway, supporting the British Legion, and serving as a committee member for the Isle of Man Music, Dance & Drama Festival. Despite his community involvement, Hibberd’s past crimes have now come to light.

The legal proceedings were initiated after a victim contacted law enforcement authorities in 2013, revealing abuse allegations that trace back to the late 1960s and early 1980s. The victim, who remains unnamed for privacy reasons, was an altar boy at the time and was targeted by Hibberd for sexual abuse. As the investigation unfolded, authorities identified and made contact with two additional victims, who corroborated the claims against Hibberd.

Following a thorough investigation, police officers detained Hibberd at his residence in Lake on the Isle of Man and formally charged him in March 2014. The charges encompassed six counts of indecent assault on a boy under the age of 14, spanning from 1967 to 1982. Throughout the proceedings, Hibberd continuously denied any wrongdoing and refused to admit guilt in relation to the allegations made by his victims.

Throughout his time on the Isle of Man, Hibberd was well-known for his charitable work and volunteer efforts, including contributions to the Isle of Man Steam Railway, the British Legion, and the local music and drama festival. It is important to note that he had no connections with the Medina Marching Band, and there is no evidence to suggest that any of his alleged crimes occurred during his tenure on the Isle of Man or within any of these organizations. Authorities have explicitly stated that there is no indication that any organization failed to adequately safeguard potential victims.

Detective Constable Nikki Honey, a member of the Metropolitan Police’s Sexual Offences, Exploitation and Child Abuse Command, emphasized the possibility that Hibberd may have committed abuse beyond those already identified. She expressed concern that Hibberd targeted vulnerable young boys who may not have fully understood what was happening at the time. DC Honey highlighted the challenges victims face in coming forward, noting that many remain silent due to the shame associated with a clergy member’s misconduct, the fear of repercussions, and the societal stigma.

The police officer urged anyone who might have been victimized by Hibberd to reach out and contact authorities via the 101 hotline, underscoring the importance of uncovering any further cases of abuse. Her statements reinforce the understanding that such abuse often remains hidden for decades, but law enforcement remains committed to seeking justice for all potential victims.