Shane Gibbs, 35, the paedophile rapist, has been convicted of rape, sexual abuse and assault after attacking vulnerable teenagers and women. Between October and December of last year, Gibbs, of no fixed address, sexually abused six women, including two 15-year-olds.
At the time, Shane Gibbs, also known as Blue, was moving between hotel rooms and various Airbnb properties on and around the seafront, where he plied them with drugs, including GHB, which is known as a “date rape drug”, and alcohol until they became defenceless.
He then subjected them to sexual attacks.
He also strangled his former partner until she became unconscious during a prolonged attack.
Sussex Police were first made aware of his offending on December 24, 2023, through images of two vulnerable teenage girls in sexual positions with a man, identified as Shane Gibbs.
The girls later reported being raped or seriously sexually assaulted by Shane Gibbs.
During the investigation, a 23-year-old woman reported being raped and a 35-year-old woman reported being violently assaulted, with Shane Gibbs identified as a suspect.
He was arrested in a hotel room in Portsmouth on January 4. While awaiting trial, two more rape victims, a 23-year-old woman and a 31-year-old woman, were identified.
Shane Gibbs was charged with eight counts of rape, five counts of sexual assault by penetration, and one count each of intentional strangulation, false imprisonment and causing actual bodily harm, all of which he denied.
He was found guilty of 15 counts of rape, sexual abuse, false imprisonment, actual bodily harm and strangulation at Hove Crown Court yesterday, November 28, 2024.
Detective Constable Vicki Blythe said: “The scale of Shane Gibbs’ offending points to a committed, dangerous predator who targeted women and girls in the most appalling ways.
“All of his victims must deal with the consequences of his crimes for the rest of their lives, but have shown incredible bravery in supporting this investigation and helping to bring a monster to justice.
“I would like to thank them all for their strength and determination, as well as the investigative team who have worked so hard to put Shane Gibbs behind bars.
“Each of these women and girls will continue to receive our full support as we look ahead to sentencing.”
Detective Chief Superintendent Richard McDonagh, head of public protection at Sussex Police, said: “This was an extremely complex, sensitive investigation that drew in a range of forces and partner agencies, all focused on achieving a positive outcome for these victims.
“I would like to thank all the partners involved for their support and collaboration, and the victims themselves for the incredible resolve they have shown in helping to bring a dangerous individual to justice.
“I also commend the investigative team, whose dedication is a shining example of the commitment to justice and victims I see every day at Sussex Police.
“This verdict comes during the UN’s 16 days of activism against gender-based violence. Shane Gibbs’ appalling crimes serve as a sobering reminder of why campaigns such as these are so important, and why Sussex Police remains committed to protecting women and girls all-year-round.”
Emma Lile of the Crown Prosecution Service said: “Gibbs was a sexual predator who went around the Brighton coastline preying on vulnerable young women in pursuit of his own hideous purposes.
“We would like to extend a special thanks to the victims who came forward to report these crimes and gave evidence to the court about their horrific experiences.
“These convictions send a very clear message that the CPS, working alongside law enforcement, will relentlessly pursue justice and prosecute those who abuse or sexually exploit women.
“I encourage any victims of violence against women and girls in whatever form to report the crimes committed against them. It is never too late to seek justice – you are not alone and there is help available.”
At the time of the investigation, launched in December following a report of rape, Sussex Police said Shane Gibbs was known to use different aliases or to remain anonymous when meeting people.
Shane Gibbs is due to be sentenced on March 14.
UPDATE 15.03.25
Shane Gibbs, 35, was convicted of 15 counts following a trial including rape and other serious sexual and violent offences and sentenced to life with a minimum term before being eligible for parole of 18 years and 299 days at Hove Crown Court.
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