Cyclist put on sex offenders register after series of ride-by attacks in Northampton

Crime series near university campus sparked fear among staff and students
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A man has been put on the sex offenders register for five years after a series of ride-by attacks on women near the University of Northampton.

Northampton Crown Court heard how Justin Lee Hibbert, 33, approached seven women while on his bike and touched them inappropriately as he rode past.

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He was hunted down by the University of Northampton Policing Team and charged with seven sexual offences in connection with incidents that happened at the end of January in the areas neighbouring Waterside Campus.

Hibbert was convicted of seven sex offences at Northampton Crown CourtHibbert was convicted of seven sex offences at Northampton Crown Court
Hibbert was convicted of seven sex offences at Northampton Crown Court

The police investigation, led by PC Martin Usher, was boosted by information following an appeal in the Chronicle & Echo last month.

Hibbert, of St Andrews Road in the town, was also given a community order and told to pay £140 in fines and costs.

Sergeant Lorna Clarke, who leads the team at the University, said: “This crime series was causing a lot of concern among staff and students on campus so I am pleased that we have managed to catch the perpetrator and see him convicted of these offences.

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“PC Usher worked tirelessly on this case, chasing every lead, which led to the eventual identification and arrest of Justin Hibbert. We are thrilled to have been able to take him to account for this crime series — get him charged and subsequently convicted.

The University Police Team work on campus to protect studentsThe University Police Team work on campus to protect students
The University Police Team work on campus to protect students

“Having a policing team on campus at the University of Northampton has allowed staff and students to feel more empowered to report things that they previously may not have felt able to.

“Our presence on campus sends a clear message that the university take the safety of their students extremely seriously and criminals will absolutely be not be tolerated.”