Eastbourne sentenced for sex offences against young girl.

Eastbourne Man Sentenced to 14 Years for Sexual Abuse of Young Girl

John Gibbs, 50, a cleaner from Eastbourne, has been sentenced to 14 years in prison for sexually abusing a young girl over a period of five years. The sentence was handed down at Lewes Crown Court on Thursday, November 11th, following Gibbs' conviction on two counts of rape and three counts of sexual assault against the child, who was under the age of 13 at the time of the offenses.

Gibbs was found guilty after an investigation by safeguarding detectives from Sussex Police. He will be required to register as a sex offender for life and has been issued with a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) that prohibits him from any contact with his victim or her family, and from living in any household with children under the age of 16. The SHPO will remain in effect until further court determination.

Detective Constable Hugh Charles of Sussex Police stated, "Gibbs came to know the girl and over time he ingratiated himself with her, gaining her trust before systematically abusing her for his own gratification. It was only when she felt strong enough to disclose the abuse to her family that the matter was reported to us. We took immediate action, leading to Gibbs' arrest and, three years later, his prosecution."

The victim's mother expressed her relief at the sentencing, saying, "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. 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 Charles concluded, "I also want to thank my colleagues, Detective Constables Steve Wormley, Lisa Wells and Laura Powell for all their work in helping to bring Gibbs to justice. This was a team effort on behalf of the victim."