FORMER TEACHER IAN GIBSON OF EXETER JAILED FOR ABUSING GIRLS IN DEVON

In September 2008, Ian Gibson, a 49-year-old former teacher from Skaigh Lane, Belstone, Devon, was sentenced to four years in prison for sexually abusing three young girls aged between eight and 13. During the five-year period of offending, Gibson repeatedly assaulted one of his victims, whom he had taught to ride.

At Exeter Crown Court, Gibson was heard telling police upon his arrest, "Thank God it is all over, I need help and I am sorry."

He pleaded guilty to five counts of indecent assault, three charges of engaging in sexual activity with a child, and one charge of sexual assault. The court learned that the abuse included molesting one girl while he was teaching her to ride.

The police involvement followed when one of the victims confided in her family about the abuse.

Defence lawyer Robert Duval argued that Gibson's actions were not among the most severe types of abuse. He stated that the sexual touching had ceased before any formal complaint was made and emphasized that Gibson recognized the wrongfulness of his actions. Duval also noted that his client did not pose a significant future risk.

As part of his sentence, Gibson was prohibited from working with children and was ordered to sign the sex offenders register for life.