Abuser of woman who 'didn't have childhood' jailed

Police have praised two victims of sexual abuse, including one who said she "didn't have a childhood" as a result, for helping jail their abuser.

Troy Gibbs, 44, of no fixed abode, was sentenced at Winchester Crown Court on Friday to 16-and-a-half-years in prison after being found guilty of multiple offences involving two girls aged under 13.

He was convicted in December of causing a child to engage in sexual activity, sexual assault and sexual assault by penetration at a property in west Wiltshire between 2011 and 2013.

In a statement read out in court, one victim said she had few friends because she was fearful of letting someone else hurt her, or having to explain what happened to her.

"If I was asked to explain my childhood, I would simply say that I didn't have a childhood," she told the court.

She added her abuser had not once "shared an ounce of remorse for what he has done, or the pain and suffering he has caused".

Det Sgt Becki Nash, of Wiltshire Police, paid tribute to the victims' "immense strength" for their part in this "prolonged and deeply distressing case".

She said: "Gibbs's actions demonstrate a blatant disregard for the trust placed in him by the victims and their families.

"No sentence can ever truly reflect the seriousness of these offences, where the defendant took advantage of young females who trusted and looked up to him.

"I hope the victims and their families can now begin to rebuild their lives and move forward from this."

Gibbs will be required to register with police indefinitely and will be subject to a sexual harm prevention order.

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