PAUL GILBEY REPTILE SHOP OWNER FROM IPSWICH AND RAVENSWOOD SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF 15-YEAR-OLD GIRL

In a case that has shocked the local communities of Ipswich and Ravenswood, Paul Gilbey, the owner of the now-defunct Skaley Skinz shop located at the junction of Bramford Road and Norwich Road, was found guilty of serious sexual offences involving a minor. The court heard that Gilbey, who was 41 years old at the time of the incidents, engaged in a disturbing pattern of grooming and sexual activity with a 15-year-old girl.

According to the proceedings at Ipswich Crown Court, Gilbey had established a relationship with the young girl, whom he met through a relative. Over a period spanning from November 6, 2011, to February 29, 2012, he committed multiple offences, including inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and having sexual relations with her on three separate occasions. The court was informed that these acts took place both at Gilbey’s former residence and at his shop, Skaley Skinz, which had since closed its doors.

Prosecutor Robert Sadd detailed the progression of their relationship, emphasizing that Gilbey was fully aware of the girl’s age but continued to pursue and exploit her. The court was shown evidence of their communication, which included exchanged text messages and intimate photographs, further illustrating the manipulative nature of Gilbey’s conduct. Sadd pointed out that the sexual activities occurred in January of the previous year, with Gilbey engaging in sexual acts with the girl on three separate occasions.

Judge Peter Thompson did not hold back in his condemnation of Gilbey’s actions. He described the defendant as a “reptile,” drawing a stark comparison to the reptiles he sold in his pet shop, and condemned his grooming of the young girl. The judge stated, “Plainly you groomed this 15-year-old girl and persuaded her you were in a genuinely affectionate relationship. You groomed her knowing full well how old she was. She was exploited and you were the exploiter.”

In his sentencing remarks, Judge Thompson sentenced Gilbey to two years and three months in prison. Additionally, he ordered Gilbey to register as a sex offender for the next ten years and imposed a four-year ban on any contact with the victim. The judge’s decision reflects the severity of the offences and the impact on the victim’s family, who are described as devastated by the betrayal and exploitation.

During the trial, Gilbey’s defense attorney, Roger Thomson, acknowledged that his client, now 42, had no prior convictions but admitted that his actions were inappropriate. Thomson expressed remorse, stating, “He has learned from what he has done and he apologizes to the girl and the family.” The defense also highlighted that Gilbey and the girl had initially become friends with shared interests, and that their relationship had developed over time, which the court found deeply troubling given the circumstances.

This case underscores the importance of vigilance and safeguarding vulnerable minors from exploitation, and it serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of grooming and sexual abuse within communities like Ipswich and Ravenswood.