Double killer Allan Grimson, a former Royal Navy petty officer, claims new sexual offences charges are a deliberate tactic to stop his release on parole. He has been jailed since 2001 for battering two young men to death.
The Background of the Case
Grimson was convicted of sexually assaulting and murdering Nicholas Wright, 18, and Sion Jenkins, 20, in the late 1990s. At the time of his sentencing, he also admitted to sexual contact with four other young men, but police took no further action. Six years ago, the Parole Board recommended he be moved to an open prison as a first step toward release on licence.
New Charges and Alleged Tactic
Now aged 66, Grimson faces fresh sexual offences charges related to the four men. His barrister, John Femi-Ola KC, told Winchester Crown Court that the Parole Board’s 2020 recommendation was a “huge step” for Grimson, but authorities then “stymied” his chance by reinvestigating historical contacts. Femi-Ola argued that one alleged victim was hesitant until an officer said, “If successful it would mean his parole is denied.”
Key Points of the Defense
- Inconsistencies: The barrister highlighted discrepancies between the men’s current accounts and statements given over 20 years ago.
- Journalist involvement: A journalist writing a book allegedly “marched” one alleged victim to the police station, raising questions about motives.
- Justice not for sale: Femi-Ola declared, “In this country, justice is not for sale at any cost,” referring to the planned book.
Comparison Table: Original Conviction vs. New Charges
| Original Conviction (2001) | New Charges (2024) |
|---|---|
| Two counts of murder and sexual assault | Multiple sexual offences against four men |
| Life imprisonment with minimum tariff | Potential additional sentence if convicted |
| Parole Board recommended open prison | Parole now denied due to new proceedings |
Implications for Parole System
This case raises serious questions about whether historical allegations are being used to prevent release. The Parole Board’s original recommendation suggested Grimson was suitable for testing in an open prison, but the fresh charges halted that process. Critics argue that such tactics undermine the parole system’s integrity.
Key Takeaways
- Timeline: Grimson spent 23 years in prison before new charges emerged.
- Legal strategy: Defense claims authorities deliberately derailed parole.
- Public interest: The case highlights tensions between justice for victims and rehabilitation.
FAQ
What is Allan Grimson accused of now?
He faces multiple sexual offences against four young men he had contact with in the late 1990s, which were originally not prosecuted.
Why does his barrister call this a tactic?
John Femi-Ola KC argues that the charges were brought only after the Parole Board recommended release, and that police indicated the goal was to deny parole.
What happens next?
The trial continues at Winchester Crown Court. If convicted, Grimson could face additional prison time; if acquitted, his parole process may resume.
This case continues to unfold, raising fundamental questions about the intersection of historical sexual offence allegations and parole decisions. Read on for full coverage.