Description
A DJ who systematically groomed and abused girls as young as nine in the late 1990s has been jailed for a further 12 years, on top of his existing 24-year sentence.
Darren Gibson, 56, pleaded guilty in November to 43 counts of child sexual abuse, including eight of rape, while already serving the previous term for similar offences. His adoptive sister and partner, Rebecca Kirton, 41, admitted 14 counts and was given an additional 7 years and 6 months on top of her existing 12-year sentence.
The pair were convicted of 14 similar offences at Leeds Crown Court in November 2024. Media coverage prompted more victims to come forward, leading West Yorkshire Police to launch a new investigation.
At Leeds Crown Court today, they were sentenced for abusing 12 further victims aged between nine and 15. Gibson must serve a minimum of 24 years of his sentence.
Senior Crown Prosecutor for CPS Yorkshire & Humberside Julie Moss said:
"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.
"Rebecca Kirton was not a passive bystander. She actively facilitated Gibson’s abuse, helped him access his victims and frequently carried out the abhorrent abuse herself.
"Gibson thought only of himself and his own sexual gratification through all of his offending. Both he and Kirton showed complete disregard for the devastating and lasting impact of their actions on very young and clearly vulnerable children.
“The 12 victims in this case have experienced the unthinkable. They were systematically abused when they were far too young to understand what was happening to them, let alone consent. All of them have shown immense bravery in coming forward to report the abuse - the impact of which has not dwindled in the two decades since it took place. I hope today's sentences can finally bring them some sense of justice for the immense and lasting harm they have suffered.
“The CPS will always seek justice for victims of child sexual abuse, no matter how much time has passed.”
Between 1997 and 2004, Gibson targeted victims at children's events where he performed as a DJ, including a 'crisps and pop' night at a local children's club. He also approached other girls in his local area, presenting himself as a trusted figure before subjecting them to sustained sexual abuse, often over multiple years.
Kirton actively facilitated the offending. Much of the abuse occurred at the couple’s home, in Gibson’s car, at performance venues, and elsewhere. He frequently plied victims with alcohol and, on occasion, drugs, and took some to obtain contraception.
Both initially refused to engage with police but later pleaded guilty to all charges.