Web chat line child abuser jailed

Gibson targeted the girl on a chat line

A 44-year-old man who had unlawful sex with a 13-year-old schoolgirl he groomed over the internet has been jailed for four years.

The girl, from Shropshire, was trapped by John Gibson after logging onto a flirt chat line via her mobile phone.

Gibson admitted having unlawful sex with the teenager at a property in Mansfield Avenue, Sauchie, Alloa.

At the High Court in Glasgow, Gibson - from Kirkcaldy in Fife - was also placed on the sex offenders' register.

In jailing him, temporary Judge Sir Gerald Gordon QC, told Gibson there was a "considerable age difference" between him and the girl.

The girl said she was 17 and the accused said he was 22. Later he told her he was 44 Stephen Woolman QC

The court was told previously that the girl travelled by train to Scotland from her home in England to meet Gibson at Stirling rail station.

The father of three, who is separated from his wife, took her to his then home in Sauchie where they kissed and cuddled and had intercourse.

Gibson, now of Dunniker Road, Kirkcaldy, admitted having unlawful sexual intercourse with the teenager between 3 May and 5 May 2003.

He also admitted a previous conviction for a sex offence in 1985 at Alloa.

Internet chat site

The court heard how the girl, from Ludlow, Shropshire, logged onto the internet chat line from her mobile phone after seeing an advert for it.

She sent messages to a "text flirt chat room" and received several replies, including one from Gibson.

Advocate depute Stephen Woolman QC, prosecuting, said that the girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, began sending texts and writing letters to Gibson.

He said: "The girl said she was 17 and the accused said he was 22. Later he told her he was 44."

The schoolgirl, who had other problems in her life, left home and went to live with her grandmother.

I know it was a stupid thing to do, but its done. I've got to pay the consequence John Gibson

She told Gibson she wanted to meet him and he sent her two photographs of himself so she could recognise him when she got off the train.

"Gibson took her from the station to his home. He took her into a bedroom and she told him about her problems. They kissed and cuddled and sexual intercourse took place," said Mr Woolman.

Meanwhile her anxious family reported her missing and a massive hunt for her was launched by West Mercia Police.

Three police officers went to Gibson's home and he led them to the girl.

Gibson later told police: "I know it was a stupid thing to do, but its done. I've got to pay the consequences."