Darren Gibson, a 56-year-old DJ, and his foster sister, 41-year-old Rebecca Kirton, have received significantly longer prison sentences after authorities uncovered a far larger scope of sexual abuse than initially revealed. The duo targeted vulnerable young girls they encountered at discos and local events, exploiting their positions to perpetrate horrific crimes.
Pic:West Yorkshire Police/PA
Expanded Convictions Reveal Extensive Abuse Network
Initially, in 2024, Gibson and Kirton were convicted and sentenced to 24 and 12 years respectively for grooming and abusing three teenage girls. However, during a hearing at Leeds Crown Court, prosecutors disclosed the discovery of 12 additional victims, revealing a disturbing pattern of predatory behavior spanning years.
Gibson pleaded guilty to 34 offences, including rape, attempted rape, and indecent assault, involving girls aged between 10 and 15 from 1997 to 2005. The court imposed an extra 12 years on his sentence, underscoring the gravity of his actions.
Kirton admitted to 14 sexual offences committed between 2002 and 2004 and received an additional seven years and six months in prison. She was also sentenced to six months for contempt of court after refusing to attend the sentencing hearing.
Judge Denounces Gibson as a Prolific Paedophile
Judge Mushtaq Khokhar condemned Gibson’s conduct, stating, “It is rare to come across such a prolific offender as you.” The judge highlighted how Gibson systematically abused his role as a DJ at children’s events to gain access to and exploit young victims.
Prosecutor Details the Calculated Nature of the Abuse
Senior Crown Prosecutor Julie Moss emphasized the calculated and manipulative nature of Gibson’s crimes: “Darren Gibson systematically preyed on young girls over several years, using his position as a DJ at local children’s events to target young children and take advantage of trust placed in him by the local community to cover up his criminality.”
Moss further clarified that Kirton was more than an accomplice; she actively enabled Gibson’s abuse by facilitating access to victims and participating in the assaults herself.
“Both he and Kirton showed complete disregard for the devastating and lasting impact of their actions on very young and clearly vulnerable children,” Moss added.
