CLERGYMEN JAILED FOR THEIR SICK ABUSE OF YOUNG BOYS

CLERGYMEN JAILED FOR THEIR SICK ABUSE OF YOUNG BOYS

A vicar from Newton Aycliffe and a priest from Alnwick have each been sentenced to prison for their abhorrent historical abuse of young boys.

George Granville Gibson, who served as a vicar at a Newton Aycliffe church in the late 1970s, was convicted of indecently assaulting a teenage boy.

Durham Crown Court was informed that Gibson, a leader of a church youth group, committed the abuse during rehearsals for a pantomime and later during a house party following the show's performances.

Judge James Adkin noted that Gibson would intentionally seek out young men and indecently assault them in the presence of others, often by rubbing against them and seeming to derive pleasure from these acts.

The court heard that the survivor felt humiliated and embarrassed by the incidents, which also caused serious strain in his marriage.

Gibson's actions led to him undergoing counseling for severe psychological distress.

Gibson’s defence highlighted his age and health condition, mentioning that he resides in Worsley Park, Darlington, and was in remission from illness.

It was also pointed out that police investigations had been delayed.

Now 86 years old, Gibson was convicted of two counts of indecent assault by a jury and sentenced to 21 months in prison.

He will also be listed on the sex offender register for a decade.

During sentencing in November, Judge Adkin said: "You were the Parish priest, revered and completely trusted to promote Christian values in the community.

Sex offenders in positions of authority must know they will be sent to prison if they abuse children in the community."