Robert Gibson

Robert Gibson, a 36-year-old man from Keighley, West Yorkshire, was sentenced to two years in prison at Bradford Crown Court for engaging in sexual activity in the presence of children and outraging public decency. The offences occurred in January and June 2024, targeting areas near schools where young girls were present.

In January 2024, Gibson drove his car near a junction in Keighley where two teenage girls were waiting to be picked up after school. According to court proceedings, the window of his vehicle was wound down as he smiled and performed a sex act on himself in full view of the girls. The victims, who were shocked and upset by the incident, reported it to a teacher the following day. Initial police inquiries in Keighley identified Gibson's car on CCTV footage, but the investigation was not pursued at that time.

The second incident took place in June 2024 in Halifax. A woman drawing her curtains at her home in the morning spotted Gibson's car parked near a school bus stop. She observed that he had his penis exposed and was performing a sexual act on himself inside the vehicle. Gibson then drove off but returned shortly after as a group of girls crossed the road nearby. The woman promptly reported the sighting to the police, who linked it to the earlier Keighley offence through investigative work.

During the trial at Bradford Crown Court, Judge Roger Thomas KC described Gibson's actions as 'serious sexual misbehaviour' and rejected claims that the incidents were coincidental. The judge noted that Gibson had been 'touring' around school areas to indulge in such behaviour, dismissing any notion that exposure offences were mere nuisances. Gibson, who had no previous convictions and was of previous good character, was found guilty in November following the trial on two charges of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child and one count of outraging public decency.

Gibson's barrister, Derek Duffy, argued for a suspended sentence, emphasising that the January incident lasted only 11 seconds, was brief, and that Gibson did not intend to target children. Duffy highlighted that there had been no further offences and that his client had sought help, demonstrating a change in attitude. However, Judge Thomas imposed the custodial sentence, stating it was entirely wrong to view such acts lightly. In addition to the two-year jail term, Gibson must register as a sex offender for 10 years and comply with a restraining order prohibiting contact with the complainants.

The case was investigated by West Yorkshire Police, with proceedings reported by The Telegraph & Argus based on court records from Bradford Crown Court.