COLNE SEX OFFENDER JAILED FOR BREACHING SUSPENDED SENTENCE
A convicted sex offender who previously received a suspended sentence for facilitating a child sex offence has been jailed after breaching his conditions multiple times.Paul Gibbin was sentenced to 18 months suspended for two years in 2022 following an incident where he engaged in online communication with an undercover police officer, attempting to arrange a meeting with his '11-year-old daughter.' The meeting was fake, and no child was actually involved, but he was charged and sentenced at Chester Crown Court in November.
Gibbin was also made subject to a 10-year sexual harm prevention order and notification requirements, which he breached repeatedly.
Last week, Preston Crown Court heard how in January, he met a woman online, started a relationship, and stayed overnight at her house approximately 40 times without her knowledge of his previous convictions.
During this time, he was in contact with her children, including being present during diaper changes and when they played in a paddling pool, violating his sexual harm prevention order.
He also traveled abroad without informing authorities and bought a new iPhone capable of storing images, again without reporting it to the police.
The police discovered these breaches when they visited him in June, and his prior history was revealed.
His partner was distressed upon learning of his convictions and felt betrayed, experiencing anxiety and mistrust.
Gibbin, 67, pleaded guilty to six breaches of his sexual harm prevention order and two breaches of notification requirements.
His solicitor acknowledged his remorse, but the court activated his suspended sentence, and Gibbin was sentenced to two years in prison.
His legal obligations, including the sexual harm prevention order and notification requirements, will continue after his release.
