Sex offenders to serve longer sentences after more victims come forward
A fresh investigation following new reports of abuse has resulted in longer prison sentences for two offenders.
Darren Gibson, 56 from Leeds, was jailed for 24 years and Rebecca Kirton, 41 from Leeds, was jailed for 12 years in October 2024 after they were convicted of a number of sex offences which took place against teenage female victims in the early 2000s.
The sentences followed an investigation by West Yorkshire Police’s Major Investigation Review Team (MIRT).
As a result of publicity from those sentences, 12 further victims came forward to report sexual abuse at the hands of Gibson and Kirton.
Investigations into the new complaints led to Gibson being charged with a further:
- nine counts of rape relating to girls aged under 16
- one count of attempted rape relating to a girl aged under 16
- 24 counts of indecent assault relating to girls aged under 16
- two counts of indecent assault relating to girls aged under 13
- three counts of gross indecency relating to girls aged under 16
- one count of gross indecency relating to a girl aged under 13
- two counts of engaging in sexual activity with a girl aged 13 to 15
- and two counts of assault by touching of a girl aged under 13
Kirton was charged with a further
- two counts of raping girls aged under 16
- one count of attempted rape of a girl aged under 16
- seven counts of indecent assault relating to girls aged under 16
- three counts of engaging in sexual activity relating to girls aged 13 to 15
- and one count of assault by touching of a girl aged under 13
The offences took place in Leeds between 1997 and 2005.
The pair pleaded guilty to the offences at an earlier Leeds Crown Court hearing.
Appearing before the court for sentencing on Tuesday (Mar 17), Gibson was sentenced to an additional 12 years in jail and Kirton was sentenced to an additional seven years and six months imprisonment.
Detective Sergeant Richard Ord from West Yorkshire Police’s Major Investigation Review Team, said: “Following their original sentencing in October 2024, a number of further victims came forward to report that they too had been subjected to sexual offences at the hands of either Gibson, Kirton or both.
“First and foremost, I would like to thank these victims for coming forward - they have shown tremendous dignity and courage in doing so and I hope that the additional sentences handed down today can provide some comfort as they begin to move on with their lives.
“I am pleased that once again justice has been served and that both Gibson and Kirton will remain behind bars for a considerable amount of time.
“I hope too that the nature of this investigation demonstrates that it is never too late to report sexual offending. We have dedicated teams across West Yorkshire Police who will listen to you when you are ready to talk to us – and you will be dealt with dignity, respect and compassion.”