Gary Gibbins Jailed for Historic Child Sexual Abuse Offences
A devoted father and qualified social worker from Widnes has been imprisoned following the revelation of sexual offences he committed over 50 years ago. Gary Gibbins, now 62, was just 15 years old when he subjected a primary school-aged boy to a series of abusive acts during the 1970s. The case, which came to light in 2022, highlights the long-lasting impact of such crimes and the pursuit of justice across decades.
According to details presented at Liverpool Crown Court, Gibbins initiated the abuse by telling the young victim that he 'wanted to practice kissing' and insisted it remain 'their little secret'. This escalated into instructing the boy to perform various sex acts on him, with the prosecution stating that the abuse occurred on approximately 10 occasions. David Polglase, prosecuting, outlined how the victim's life was profoundly affected, describing it as 'ruined' by the trauma and shame, leading him to 'lock the memories away' for years.
- The offences took place in the 1970s, with Gibbins as a teenager.
- The victim was a primary school-aged boy at the time.
- Gibbins was reported to the police in 2022 after no further offences in the interim.
Despite leading a seemingly respectable life post-abuse—qualifying as a social worker, fostering four children, and caring for his mother—Gibbins' past caught up with him. His marriage ended due to the convictions, and he reportedly made two attempts on his own life. Stephen McNally, defending, emphasised Gibbins' lack of reoffending and his contributions to society, including adopting children and providing for his family.
Gibbins pleaded guilty to six counts of indecent assault and two counts of gross indecency with a child. Sentencing him to three years in prison, Judge Anil Murray acknowledged the passage of time and Gibbins' personal changes, noting: 'A long time has elapsed since the offences, which has shown that you have changed. You have become a valuable member of society and not offended again.' The judge also recognised mitigating factors such as Gibbins' difficult upbringing, genuine remorse, and the fact that he committed the acts as a child himself. However, the court heard from the victim: 'He says you ruined his life. He says you groomed and abused him.'
Gibbins, appearing in court suited with short grey hair, a beard, and glasses, was ordered to sign the sex offenders' register for life. References, including one from his daughter, portrayed him as a 'devoted father' who 'worked tirelessly to provide for your family'. The case was reported by the Liverpool Echo on 7 November 2025, based on proceedings from Liverpool Crown Court.