Shane ‘Blue’ Gibbs, a 35-year-old predator who drugged and raped multiple women and girls across Sussex, has been sentenced to life in prison. Gibbs, of no fixed address, was convicted of multiple offences against four women and two girls at Lewes Crown Court in November 2024.
At the same court on Friday, 14 March 2025, Gibbs was handed a life sentence and ordered to serve a minimum of 18 years and 299 days before being considered for parole.
Timeline of Offences and Arrest
Police became aware of Gibbs’ horrific crimes on 24 December 2023, prompting an urgent investigation to locate him. Detectives quickly linked him to six attacks in December, where he stupefied five victims with drugs before sexually assaulting and raping them.
After an intensive search, officers tracked Gibbs to a hotel in Portsmouth on 4 January 2024, where he was arrested.
Conviction and Charges
Gibbs faced trial at Lewes Crown Court and was charged with:
- Eight counts of rape
- Five counts of sexual assault by penetration
- Intentional strangulation
- False imprisonment
- Causing actual bodily harm
Despite denying all charges, a jury found him guilty on all counts except one rape charge, of which he was acquitted.
Support for Victims
Each of Gibbs’ victims has been supported by specialist officers throughout the investigation. Sussex Police have reaffirmed their commitment to bringing sexual offenders to justice and ensuring survivors receive the care and support they need.
Detective Superintendent Ben Newman said: “From the moment we were made aware of Gibbs’ offending, we have worked tirelessly with our partners and other forces to protect his victims and ensure he was held to account for his crimes.
“Complex investigations such as these rely on the collaboration of a huge number of people, and I would like to thank everyone involved for their outstanding work.
“Victims sit at the heart of all of our investigations, and as a force we have undertaken a full review of how we investigate rape and other serious sexual offences to give us the best possible chance of catching offenders, while supporting their victims.
“If you are a victim of sexual offending, please report to us in the confidence you will be heard and supported, and we will do absolutely everything we can to secure the justice you deserve.”
Emma Lile of the Crown Prosecution Service said: “Gibbs was a sexual predator who went around Brighton preying on vulnerable young women in pursuit of his own hideous purposes.
“We would like to extend a special thanks to the victims who came forward to report these crimes and gave evidence to a court about their horrific experiences.
“These convictions send a very clear message that the CPS, working alongside law enforcement, will relentlessly pursue justice and prosecute those who abuse or sexually exploit women.
“I encourage any victims of violence against women in girls in whatever form to report the crimes committed against them. It is never too late to seek justice – you are not alone and there is help available.”
