In 2026, the Offender Database reported that Peter Gibbs, then 60, of Briary Lane, Carterton, was sentenced to eight years and seven months in prison at Oxford Crown Court in March 2024. Gibbs, a former school bus driver, was convicted of both non-recent and current sexual offences involving two children.
The investigation established that Gibbs raped a 14-year-old girl and committed two counts of indecent assault in the early 2000s. The victim reported the rape to her GP in August 2001, stating the assaults occurred in his car and on a bus where he worked as a driver. Although the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) initially dismissed the case, it was reopened decades later after Gibbs was arrested for further grooming offences.
Arrest and Digital Evidence
In February 2021, a school reported that Gibbs, who was still employed as an authority bus driver, had been messaging a 15-year-old student. A search of his devices in 2022 uncovered six naked photographs of a 13-year-old girl whom he had encouraged to send the images.
Gibbs pleaded guilty to:
- One count of sexual communication with a child.
- One count of making indecent images of a child.
He was subsequently found guilty at trial of the non-recent counts of rape and indecent assault. Judge Michael Gledhill told Gibbs, “You ought to be thoroughly disgusted with yourself.”
Victim Impact and Remorse
Victim impact statements read in court highlighted the “ruined” lives of the survivors. The first victim reported being unable to return to school and feeling extreme embarrassment, while the teenager emphasised that Gibbs was a person employed to keep children safe who instead made her feel unsafe.
The defence stated that Gibbs was remorseful and had expressed “great sorrow and shame” to his partner. It was also reported that Gibbs had been under close supervision in custody due to his refusal to eat, drink, or take medication.
Sentence and Registration Requirements
For his crimes in Oxfordshire, Peter Gibbs was:
- Sentenced to eight years and seven months in prison.
- Placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life.
The judge noted that Gibbs had abused his position of trust over a significant period. He will be subject to strict monitoring and supervision following his eventual release from custody.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Gibbs is managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) by Thames Valley Police. His status and his previous employment as a bus driver remain under scrutiny to ensure public safety.
As a lifetime member of the Sex Offenders Register, Gibbs must comply with notification requirements for the rest of his life. Thames Valley Police state that they will continue to investigate non-recent reports and ensure that those who target children are held accountable. Any breach of his registration or licence conditions will result in his immediate return to Oxford Crown Court.
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