An ex-vicar living on the Isle of Wight was jailed at the end of last week after being found guilty of indecent assault against minors, dating back as far as 1967.
77 year old, John Charles Hibberd, was convicted on six counts of indecent assault against three young boys.
Police say Hibberd, “categorically denied all the offences put to him – and refused to admit any wrongdoing against the victims”.
Island life
Hibberd moved to the Isle of Wight fifteen years ago after working as a vicar for the Church of England in West London.
According to Pompey Chimes, Hibberd brought a scout group to the Isle of Wight in 1959 and started coming to the Island for holidays and weekends from 1993. He bought a bungalow in Lake in 1996.
Whilst living on the Island, he remained close to the church and was involved in many charitable and voluntary organisations.
Preyed on vulnerable young boys
Detective Constable Nikki Honey, of the Met’s Sexual Offences, Exploitation and Child Abuse Command, said:
“Hibberd preyed on vulnerable young boys who didn’t 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.”
Hibberd has been jailed for seven years and two months.
Other victims urged to contact police
DC Honey went on to say,
“Hibberd retired from the church and moved to the Isle of Wight where he lived for 15 years. He remained active in the church and with voluntary organisations there.
“It is not inconceivable that he may have abused more boys and I would urge any other victims to contact the police via 101.”
Source: Chiswick W4 and Pompey Chimes
Image: © Metropolitan Police
