A 35-year-old man from Ryde has been jailed for 39 months at Isle of Wight Crown Court after attempting to manipulate a six-year-old child into sexual contact under the pretence of a game.
Liam Hibberd, of Carlton Place, Ryde, appeared for sentence on his 35th birthday having entered a formal guilty plea to a charge of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.
The prosecution outlined that the offending occurred within the Ryde area between January 2017 and October 2018. Hibberd brought the six-year-old victim into an upstairs bedroom, instructed her to close her eyes, and attempted to force her to touch his genitals under the guise of an innocent game.
A victim personal statement presented to the court detailed the profound psychological impact of the incident, with the victim expressing disgust towards Hibberd and recounting severe, persistent nightmares. She confirmed she could never forgive him for what he had done.
Hibberd maintained not guilty pleas up to and through the initial stages of a Crown Court trial, requiring both the young victim and her mother to take the stand and provide evidence. On the second day of the trial, Hibberd changed his plea to guilty. His defence advocate acknowledged that Hibberd had acted in a cowardly manner by failing to admit the offences at an earlier stage.
Addressing Hibberd, who had four prior convictions on his record, Recorder Bromige noted that his conscience had ultimately caught up with him, while commending the girl for her remarkable courage in giving evidence and attending the sentencing hearing.
The judge sentenced Hibberd to an immediate custodial sentence of 39 months’ imprisonment.
In addition to the prison term, the court imposed a 15-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and an indefinite restraining order protecting the victim, alongside indefinite notification requirements on the Sex Offenders Register for the rest of his life.
Image – Anonymous Artist Impression
For the latest updates and offender details, follow us on the Offender Database Facebook Page. If you or anyone you know has been affected by the individuals highlighted on this website, please report them to the Police on 101 (999 in an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details on how to report a crime. You can also report to Crimestoppers if you wish to remain completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.