Ex-teacher jailed for girls abuse

Ian Gibson told officers he needed help

A 49-year-old former teacher who sexually abused three young girls has been jailed for four years.

Ian Gibson, of Skaigh Lane, Belstone, Devon, repeatedly assaulted one of his three victims - who were aged between eight and 13 - over a five-year period.

Exeter Crown Court heard how on his arrest he told police: "Thank God it is all over, I need help and I am sorry."

Gibson admitted five indecent assaults, three charges of sexual activity with a child and one of sexual assault.

The court was told how Gibson abused one girl he was teaching to ride.

The police were called in when one of his victims spoke to her family of the abuse.

Defence counsel Robert Duval said the sexual touching Gibson performed was not abuse of the most serious kind.

Mr Duval added that the abuse had stopped before any complaint was made, and that his client recognised the evils of his own ways and therefore did not pose a significant risk of causing harm in the future.

Gibson was also banned from working with children and ordered to sign the sex offenders register for life.