THOMAS GIBBS SENTENCED IN OXFORD FOR GROOMING CASE INVOLVING CHILD ONLINE

On December 22, 2009, a couple from Oxford took drastic steps to protect their 11-year-old daughter from a sexual predator on Facebook. They created an online trap by assuming their daughter's profile to catch the suspect, Thomas Gibbs, who was grooming her for sex.

The couple, who are anonymously identified due to legal reasons, grew suspicious of online exchanges between their daughter and an unidentified individual. Recognizing the perverted intentions, they intervened by taking control of her Facebook account. Gibbs, 52 years old, responded to the fake profile, suggesting they meet in person.

Gibbs proposed meeting the "young girl" and appeared twice at the designated locations. During the first encounter, family members observed his arrival but did not approach him. After a second meeting, Gibbs was arrested. He was taken to Oxford Crown Court, where he admitted to two counts of meeting a child for sexual grooming and was sentenced to 16 months in jail.

Prosecutor Jennifer Edwards explained that the victim was using a laptop in her living room when her mother became suspicious. Gibbs had been commenting on her profile picture, expressing his desire to kiss her and stating, "I really like you" and "I want to meet you."

The mother then took over the laptop, continuing communication with Gibbs while pretending to be her daughter. The family informed police immediately but kept engaging with Gibbs.

According to Mrs. Edwards, "The contact continued for the following week. Each time her daughter used the computer, Mr. Gibbs was there, ready to respond." When Gibbs suggested meeting in person, the mother maintained the facade and arranged to meet him on April 18. Family members saw him arrive but did not confront him.

A subsequent meeting was set for April 30 at 7 pm in Carterton, Oxfordshire, which led to Gibbs's arrest. Defense lawyer Mark Dixon noted that there was no sexual discussion in the communications but acknowledged the significant emotional distress caused to the family. He stated, "It has caused the family hell and he (Gibbs) accepts responsibility and guilt for that."

Gibbs was sentenced to 16 months and ordered to register as a sex offender for at least five years. Outside court, the victim’s mother expressed relief and reflection, saying, "We knew once we’d got involved she was 100 percent safe and she’s a very bright girl but you obviously think about all the others that could have been targeted. When it first happened she didn’t want to go out but now she knows it’s all over and he won’t be able to do this to any other families."

She also emphasized the importance of parental vigilance online, stating, "It does make me more wary of Facebook and parents should be aware of what their children are doing on the internet." Detective Constable Jon Capps praised the family’s efforts and the bravery of the young girl, saying, "I would like to pay tribute to the family who have prevented any further offences being committed, as well as the young girl who was brave enough to tell her parents."