JOSEPH BIBBY FROM WYCHBOLD SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULTS ON YOUNG GIRLS AT STABLES

In July 2012, a 70-year-old man named Joseph Bibby from Wychbold was sentenced to 15 months in prison after being convicted of multiple sexual offenses involving young girls. Bibby, who resided in a flat at Wychbold Grange in Wychbold, had a disturbing history of preying on vulnerable minors, particularly those involved in horse riding activities at the stables he rented and managed.

The criminal acts spanned several years, with Bibby abusing three young girls who had initially befriended him at the stables. The first victim, who was just 14 years old at the time, was subjected to abuse over a period of three years. During this time, Bibby engaged in inappropriate touching and even placed his hand inside her clothing, violating her trust and personal boundaries.

The second girl, also 14, endured nine months of molestation. During this period, Bibby would tell her inappropriate jokes and attempt to persuade her to perform sexual acts, which she consistently refused. His manipulative behavior extended to physical contact, including holding her in a headlock and pinching her, as well as touching her over her clothing.

The third victim, aged 17, was persuaded to enter Bibby’s bed, where he held her down and placed his hands on her chest. Prosecutor Peter Grice detailed these incidents at Worcester Crown Court, emphasizing the severity of Bibby’s actions. The court heard that Bibby had told one of the victims that he had allegedly killed a horse with anti-freeze, which caused her to fear for her own pet’s safety, illustrating the manipulative tactics he employed to intimidate and control his victims.

Joseph Bibby pleaded guilty to three counts of sexual assault, acknowledging his misconduct. His criminal history includes a previous conviction in 1997, when he was sentenced to three years for acts of gross indecency involving children as young as ten years old.

Judge Robert Juckes QC described Bibby as a “skilled, manipulative and calculated predator” who had carried out persistent and calculated offenses targeting young women. In addition to his prison sentence, the judge imposed a sexual offences prevention order, explicitly prohibiting Bibby from having any contact with girls under the age of 16.

The investigation into Bibby’s activities began when two of the victims reported the abuse to the police in May. Initially, Bibby denied the allegations, but evidence and victim testimonies led to his guilty plea. Defense attorney Nick Berry argued that Bibby was aware of his sexual attraction to young women and highlighted his health issues, including a heart condition and a minor stroke two years prior. Berry also pointed out that Bibby’s imprisonment would have a significant impact on his life, as he faced losing his home and the consequences of incarceration at his age.

Throughout the court proceedings, the seriousness of Bibby’s offenses was underscored, and the court took measures to prevent any future harm by restricting his contact with minors. The case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by predators operating under the guise of community members and the importance of vigilance in protecting vulnerable young girls from exploitation.