BARRY GIBBENS SENTENCED TO LIFE IN PRISON FOR CHILD ABUSE IN EASTBOURNE AND NEW ROMNEY

In a case that has shocked the communities of Eastbourne and New Romney, Barry Gibbens, aged 52, has been handed a life sentence after being convicted of heinous crimes involving a young child. The offences, which spanned over two years, involved the abuse of a toddler in New Romney, where Gibbens was residing at the time.

Gibbens, whose address is listed as Oldfield Avenue in Eastbourne, was found guilty by a jury at Canterbury Crown Court of twelve serious charges. These charges included rape, sexual assault, causing a child to engage in sexual activity, and possession of 82 indecent images of children, some of the most severe category. Despite maintaining his innocence and denying all allegations, the evidence against him was overwhelming.

The court heard that the abuse occurred between May 2013 and November 2015. During this period, Gibbens was living in New Romney with his partner, and it was during this time that he subjected the young girl to repeated acts of sexual violence. Disturbingly, much of the abuse was recorded on video and subsequently uploaded onto his computer, which also contained other disturbing images of children. The court was shown evidence of these recordings, highlighting the calculated and malicious nature of Gibbens’s actions.

Judge Simon James delivered a stern condemnation of Gibbens during the sentencing hearing. He described Gibbens’s conduct as a series of “violent indignities” inflicted upon a vulnerable and trusting child. The judge emphasized the severity of the crimes, stating that Gibbens’s complete lack of remorse and empathy was deeply troubling. He also criticized Gibbens for attempting to shift blame onto others, showing no acknowledgment of the harm caused.

In his remarks, Judge James highlighted the gravity of the offences, noting that the abuse involved the rape of a toddler and a host of other sexual acts. The judge described the abuse as “chilling and calculated,” emphasizing the betrayal of trust and innocence. He further remarked that such offending was of an unprecedented capacity, and the long-term impact on the victim remains uncertain.

Addressing Gibbens directly, the judge stated, “Your victim was young, impressionable and trusting. Watching the violent indignities you perpetrated and your denial of responsibility, the court has no choice but to impose a life sentence to protect the public.”

As part of the sentence, Gibbens will serve a minimum of 15 years in prison before he can apply for parole or release. The case has left a lasting scar on the communities of Eastbourne and New Romney, and serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of such heinous crimes.