PETER GIBSON FROM BEESTON LEEDS SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENSES

In February 2005, a disturbing case involving a convicted paedophile, Peter Gibson, unfolded in Leeds, highlighting ongoing concerns about child safety and legal loopholes. The mother of a 13-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, expressed her outrage and heartbreak upon learning that Gibson, who had previously been convicted of similar offences, was set to be released from custody in just one month.

Gibson, aged 55 and known to have a long history of sexual offences against children, had been convicted of indecently assaulting the young boy in February 2001. The assault occurred after Gibson had befriended the boy at Leeds Central Library during the autumn of 2000. Their relationship escalated when they unexpectedly met again at Leeds railway station in February 2001, where Gibson took the boy to a local bowling alley before inviting him to his home on Barton Terrace in Beeston.

According to court reports, after watching a film together, Gibson, displaying predatory behavior, suddenly attacked the boy, smothering him with kisses and then committing a sexual act. The terrified teenager managed to escape the situation, fleeing from Gibson’s home and seeking safety. The mother of the victim, now 17, voiced her anguish, stating, “It is an abhorrence to us that given he was aware of the manipulation and disregard of the court regarding Ireland and Gibson’s past history, Judge Wolstenholme did not use his discretion in favor of the victim in this case. On this point, one can clearly say that justice has not been served.”

Gibson’s criminal history is extensive, with convictions dating back over 30 years, including charges of gross indecency, unnatural sex acts, and possession of child pornography. Notably, in 1991, he received two concurrent nine-month jail sentences for indecently assaulting two children.

In August 2001, Gibson fled to the Irish Republic just before his trial, which was scheduled to take place in Leeds. He was subsequently arrested in Ireland in December 2001 near a children’s playground on unrelated charges. Extradition proceedings ensued, and after spending 20 months in an Irish prison, he was returned to Britain to face justice in November.

At Leeds Crown Court, Judge Scott Wolstenholme sentenced Gibson to a total of three years and nine months, which included a 12-month sentence for jumping bail. The judge acknowledged the time Gibson had already served—20 months in Irish custody awaiting extradition and three months on remand at Armley Prison—reducing the remaining sentence to just one month.

Despite this, the victim’s mother expressed her dissatisfaction, criticizing the legal process and the judge’s discretion. She stated, “The only thing to keep my son’s spirits up has been the knowledge that common sense would prevail and that this man would be prevented from harming any more children. I am now left with the task of explaining to my son that this has not happened.”

Judge Wolstenholme described Gibson as a “predatory paedophile” and emphasized the grooming nature of his actions. He imposed an extended sentence of seven years, which means Gibson will be on license for that period after his release and will be subject to a lifetime Sexual Offences Prevention Order. This order prohibits Gibson from approaching, contacting, or working with children, or inviting them into his home. Additionally, he is required to sign the sex offenders register.

Detective Superintendent Dave Oldroyd, who led the investigation spanning over three years, commented on the case: “I can understand that the victim and his mother are not happy with the sentence, but at the end of the day, Gibson is on the sex offenders register, and hopefully, this will prevent him from harming anyone else.”