Paedophile jailed after Met detectives forensically link him to rape of girl

A predatory sex offender has been jailed after a detailed investigation by detectives in Hackney.

Garry Gibbons, 36 (17.10.87) of East London, appeared at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Wednesday, 13 March where he was sentenced to six years and four months imprisonment for the rape of a girl aged under 18. He is also the subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Gibbons was previously convicted following trial at the same court on Wednesday, 6 March.

Detective Inspector Chris Heathcote of the Mets Public Protection Unit in Tower Hamlets said: “Gibbons is a predatory offender who targeted a young girl, in her bedroom while she slept and despite her protests, raped her.

“He strongly denied the allegation, claiming that he hadn’t gone into the victim’s room and that he had slept trough the night. However, DNA testing of samples taken from the victim’s clothing proved otherwise. “

On 18 April 2023, at a residential address in Mile End, Gibbons, who was sleeping in the living room of the property, got up in the early hours of the morning and entered the room where he knew the victim to be sleeping. He got into her bed and raped her.

The victim left the address, going to a friend’s house where police were called. An investigation was launched by Public Protection detectives based in Bethnal Green. Forensic samples were taken from the victim’s clothing that were later identified as being a match for Garry Gibbons.

Gibbons was arrested on 31 August 2023 on suspicion of rape which he denied, despite having left DNA on the victim.

DI Heathcote added: “I am pleased that Garry Gibbons has been removed from the community to a place where he no longer poses a threat to women and girls.

“We understand the anxiety of reporting rape, particularly when the attacker is someone that you know. I urge anyone in that situation to get in touch, at the very least so that we can check you are okay.

“My thoughts are with the survivor/victim in this case. I hope she may now find a measure of closure.”

More information on how to report rape and sexual assault is available.

In an emergency always dial 999.