The fight for justice by journalist Ros Astengo ensured a known serial killer remained in prison after a jury found him guilty of additional sexual offences. Astengo, a Gibraltar-based journalist, initially hesitated to investigate Allan Grimson's case as he neared release after serving over 20 years for murdering two young men. She feared reopening survivors' scars but ultimately chose the public interest. Her work led four men to report sexual assaults, leading to a conviction that may keep Grimson behind bars for years.
How One Journalist Uncovered New Evidence
Astengo’s reporting focused on the late 1990s crimes of Allan Grimson, a Royal Navy petty officer who sexually assaulted and battered Nicholas Wright, 18, and Sion Jenkins, 20, to death. Grimson was jailed for life in 2001 with a minimum of 22 years. The original sentencing judge called him a “serial killer in nature if not by number.” At the time, Grimson also admitted to sexual offences against four other men. Despite this, his release was approaching when Astengo began her investigation.
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“I knew what he had done to those boys,” Astengo said. She worried about reopening scars but felt it was necessary to keep the public safe. Her persistence paid off when four new victims came forward to report sexual assaults from the same era. This led to a trial at Winchester Crown Court.
The Court Verdict and Its Impact
On Monday, a jury found Grimson guilty of 13 sexual offences relating to the four men. Judge Dugdale described Grimson as an extremely dangerous man in the 1990s and requested reports to assess his current risk. He also asked for victim personal statements. The judge thanked the jury for hearing a “very unusual case” and invited them to return in November for sentencing. Astengo praised the victims: “The men were incredibly brave to come to court, bring all this back into their lives.”
Comparison of Grimson’s Crimes and Sentences
| Crime | Year | Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Murder of Nicholas Wright | Late 1990s | Life imprisonment (minimum 22 years) |
| Murder of Sion Jenkins | Late 1990s | Life imprisonment (minimum 22 years) |
| 13 sexual offences (new) | 2023 | Awaiting sentencing in November |
Key Takeaways from the Case
- Journalistic persistence can uncover critical evidence even years later.
- Victim bravery is essential to holding dangerous criminals accountable.
- Public safety often outweighs personal qualms when investigating serious crimes.
- The justice system can still act after decades when new victims come forward.
FAQ
Who is Allan Grimson?
Allan Grimson is a former Royal Navy petty officer convicted of murdering two young men in the late 1990s. He was sentenced to life in 2001 and recently found guilty of additional sexual offences.
How did the journalist help keep him in jail?
Journalist Ros Astengo investigated Grimson’s case as he neared release. Her reporting encouraged four more victims to come forward, leading to 13 new charges and a guilty verdict.
What were the new offences?
Grimson was found guilty of 13 sexual offences against four men, all committed during the same era as the two murders in the late 1990s.
When will Grimson be sentenced for the new crimes?
The judge has scheduled sentencing for November 2023, with reports to assess whether Grimson still poses a serious risk to the public.
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