Latest Offenders Isle of Man

Description

The former manager of a children's home jailed for historical child sexual abuse "ruined the lives of many young men", the chief constable has said.

Joseph Marshall, 85, was sentenced to six years on Friday for abusing boys at Knottfield in Douglas between 1974 and 1982.

Gary Roberts said it was "hard to overstate" the damage the "very dangerous sex offender" had caused.

Marshall's victims "might now see some closure", he added.

The serial abuser was convicted of three indecent assaults and two counts of gross indecency against two boys aged under 16 following a trial at Douglas Courthouse in December.

He had previously been jailed in 1992 for 13 offences of indecent assault against other boys at the home.

Mr Roberts said he had "no doubt at all" that more children had been abused by Marshall, and that it was "never too late" for them to come forward.

'Being believed'

In a statement issued through the charity Victim Support Isle of Man, one of those who fell prey to Marshall said: "A guilty verdict is not just for the crimes he committed against me, but a guilty verdict is for the crimes he committed against every single victim he made.

"I felt believed as soon as I had given my interview to the police and being believed was the biggest part for me."

Responding to criticism by Deemster Bernard Richmond QC about evidence he gave to a Tynwald inquiry into Knottfield prior to the criminal proceedings, Mr Roberts said "to all intents and purposes the book had closed on Marshall" at that time.

"What's also important to note is that inquiry by Tynwald brought out more victims,"he added.

Description

A charity supporter and former vicar who volunteered at the Isle of Wight Steam Railway, the British Legion and was part of the Isle of Wight Music Dance & Drama Festival Committee, has been jailed for 7 years and 2 months after being found guilty of historic indecent assault, including abusing an altar boy.

John Charles Hibberd, 77, was found guilty of six counts of indecent assault dating back as far as 1967 when he appeared at Kingston Crown Court in London yesterday (Friday).

Hibberd, originally from Chiswick in London, worked as a priest in the area before joining the staff of the Diocese of London as finance secretary. He was there for 12 years before retiring to the Isle of Wight when he moved into a bungalow at Lake. He worshiped at the Church of the Good Shepherd in the town.

newportpolice400

Hibberds sentencing has come after one of his victims contacted the police in 2013 to make a allegation of sexual abuse dating back decades. The unnamed victim became an altar boy and Hibberd targeted him for abuse. During the investigation, two other victims were identified and contacted by the Police.

After gathering evidence, officers arrested 77-year-old Hibberd at his home in Lake and charged him in March 2014 with six counts of indecent assault on a boy under 14 between 1967-1982. He categorically denied all the offences put to him and refused to admit any wrong doing against the victims of his crimes.

During his time on the Island, Hibberd volunteered at the Isle of Wight Steam Railway, the British Legion and was a committee member for the Isle of Wight Music Dance & Drama Festival.

*John Hibberd did not have any connection with the Medina Marching Band

There is no evidence or suggestion that any crimes were committed during his time on the Island or as part of these organisations, or that any organisation failed to safeguard.

DC Nikki Honey of the Metropolitan Polices Sexual Offences, Exploitation and Child Abuse Command says it is not inconceivable that he may have abused more boys. She said:

Hibberd preyed on vulnerable young boys who didnt really understand what was happening to them at the time.

As in many cases of this nature, the victims did not complain, due to the fact that the assailant was a vicar. This coupled with the embarrassment, and the belief that they themselves would be in trouble.

It is not inconceivable that he may have abused more boys and I would urge any other victims to contact the police via 101.