Allan Grimson, a double killer who has been imprisoned for 25 years, has alleged that his trial on new sexual offence charges is a deliberate tactic to prevent his release on parole. Grimson, a former Royal Navy petty officer, was sentenced in 2001 for sexually assaulting and beating to death two young men in the late 1990s.
Background of the Case
At the time of his conviction, Grimson also spoke to police about sexual contact with four other young males, but no further action was taken. In 2020, the Parole Board recommended Grimson be moved to an open prison as a preliminary step toward release on licence. However, his barrister, John Femi-Ola KC, argued in court on Thursday that Grimson's parole prospects were deliberately "stymied" when police reopened investigations into his contacts with the four men, leading to charges authorized by the Crown Prosecution Service.
Parole Board Recommendation and Alleged Obstruction
Femi-Ola told a jury at Winchester Crown Court that the Parole Board's 2020 recommendation was for Grimson to be transferred to an open prison for an "extensive period" of assessment to determine his suitability for release. He described this as a "huge step" for Grimson but claimed authorities intervened by approaching the four alleged victims. According to Femi-Ola, when police contacted one of the alleged victims, he was hesitant to make a fresh complaint and asked what it would achieve. The officer allegedly replied: "If successful it would mean his parole is denied."
Alleged Journalist Involvement
Femi-Ola also stated that a journalist writing a book had "marched" another of the men to a police station to speak with officers about Grimson. The barrister noted that the book would be sold commercially and told the jury: "In this country, justice is not for sale at any cost." He argued that there were inconsistencies between the accounts the men gave now and what they told police more than 20 years ago.
Details of the Original Crimes
Grimson, now 66, was jailed in 2001 for battering to death Nicholas Wright, 18, and Sion Jenkins, 20, at his flat above a parade of shops in Portsmouth, Hampshire, in 1997 and 1998 respectively. Both victims had served in the navy. The prosecution stated that Grimson was an instructor at a navy firefighting school, a position that brought him into contact with many young men over whom he exercised significant authority.
Current Charges and Trial
Grimson denies charges of rape, indecent assault, and taking indecent pictures of a child. The trial is ongoing.
