“Extremely dangerous” paedo jailed for 26 years

Terry Gibbons (44), of Kingsway, Thurnscoe, was sentenced at Sheffield Crown Court yesterday after pleading guilty at an earlier hearing.

Gibbons abused two young girls over a six-year period in the Rotherham area between 2007 and 2014.

He was charged with 26 offences including rape and sexual activity with a child and was given a 26-year sentence.

Det Con Jo Chambers, the officer in charge of the investigation, said: “Gibbons groomed, coerced, threatened and persistently sexually assaulted and raped the two girls, who were both under the age of 16.

“Despite pleading guilty, Gibbons remains in denial about the vile crimes he committed.

“He is an extremely dangerous man and I am pleased that he is behind bars where he can’t hurt anyone else. 

“I would like to praise the victims for the bravery they have shown in coming forward and talking to us about what happened. 

“They have both shown immense courage and I hope that knowing Gibbons will be behind bars for a very long time goes some way towards helping them move forward with their lives.”

Gibbons will also be placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register indefinitely and will be subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order upon his release. 

He was sentenced to 20 years in prison with a six-year extension.

Det Con Chambers added: “South Yorkshire Police are committed to bringing the perpetrators of child sexual abuse before the courts and will always listen to victims who come forward to report such abuse.

“This sentence hopefully sends out a clear message that sexual abuse of any kind will not be tolerated and we will do everything we can to ensure these offenders are brought to justice so they cannot cause harm to anyone else.”

A South Yorkshire Police spokeswoman warned: “Victims of sexual abuse are granted anonymity for life under the Sexual Offences Act. 

“Anyone who identifies a victim of a sexual offence, or who posts information that could lead to the identification of that victim, could face prosecution.”

To report a crime call 101 or visit southyorks.police.uk./reportcrime. 

Or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Always call 999 in an emergency.