'Monster' DJ paedophile and his sister 'ruined our lives' with calculated abuse, Leeds victims tell court
The victims of two paedophiles have told a court how their lives were ruined by the predatory pair.
Darren Gibson and Rebecca Kirton, who are already serving lengthy jail sentences for abusing girls, were given further custody today totalling 20 years.
After their original sentence was publicised, 12 new victims came forward to say they were attacked between 1997 and 2005.
Gibson worked as a DJ at children’s parties and would groom youngsters, helped by his adopted sister Kirton.
They would then invite the children back to their house where they were sexually assaulted.
A series of victim impact statements were read out by prosecutor Christopher Dunn.
One labelled 56-year-old Gibson a “monster” and said: “I have kept what happened to me a secret for more than 20 years.
“I know it was not my fault. It’s eaten away at me.
“I know this will always be a part of me but I’m determined to rebuild my life.
“Speaking out has been incredibly difficult but I want my voice to be heard.”
Another said the abuse had “stayed with them their entire life” and added: “One of the hardest parts has been carrying this alone.
“The pressure of keeping this pain for so long has been heavy.”
A third victim said: “Everyone thought he [Gibson] was a good man. Everyone liked him and booked him to do their parties. He is disgusting.”
Another added: “They are predators of the worst kind. Taking their pick of children at discos. They stole my childhood and teenage years.”
Finally, a further victim said: “He has inflicted so much pain and I hope he is never released from prison.
“I believe he will always be a danger to young girls.”
Gibson, formerly of Holdforth Close, New Wortley, was sentenced to another 12 years to run consecutively to his previous 24-year sentence.
Judge Khokhar told him: “It’s rare to come across such a prolific offender as you.”
Kirton, formerly of the same address, was sentenced to seven years and six months to run consecutively to her previous 12-year sentence. She was also given an additional six months’ jail, also the run consecutively, for refusing to attend the sentencing hearing.
Between them Gibson and Kirton admitted dozens of offences, including rape. Only Gibson was present at Leeds Crown Court today after Kirton refused to attend.
The court was told that the “modus operandi” was that 41-year-old Kirton would befriend the children, often at discos, and invite them to the house she shared with Gibson.
Gibson would also “laugh and joke” with the youngsters at the events, inviting them into the DJ booth.
One victim even said that Gibson was seen as a “cool person that all the kids wanted to hang out with”.
The victims were often plied with alcohol, and one even said half an ecstasy tablet was dropped into her drink, prosecutor Christopher Dunn told the court.
Judge Mushtaq Khokhar said: “It’s unlikely they will ever forget what they had to go through.”