One of Bedfordshire’s most prolific sex offenders, who groomed, exploited and sexually abused youngsters in his Luton ‘horror house’, has pleaded guilty to a further string of offences.
Carson Grimes, now 69, originally of Dumfries Street, Luton, appeared at Luton Crown Court yesterday (Thursday) where he pleaded guilty to a significant number of serious sexual offences after multiple new victims bravely contacted the police about their abuse.
Grimes, also known as Carson Phillips, is currently serving a life sentence with a minimum tariff of 22 years, after being jailed in October 2021. He was initially convicted of 36 serious sexual offences against nine victims, following Bedfordshire Police’s biggest ever investigation into child sexual exploitation.
As a result of media coverage of the case, including an episode of 24 Hours in Police Custody, a number of new victims came forward to report they had also been sexually abused by Grimes between 1987 and 2001.
The victims included boys who had met Grimes in London and Luton and were then invited to his house, described as a ‘horror house’ in a previous victim impact statement. Grimes would offer them alcohol, cannabis and Class A drugs. In exchange, he would then expect the victims to perform sexual acts, as well as sexually assaulting them while they slept.
Yesterday (Thursday) Grimes pleaded guilty to a further 24 charges in relation to serious sexual offences including rape and indecent assault.
Detective Inspector Clare Gilbert, who led the investigation from the Bedfordshire Police Rape and Serious Sexual Offences team, said: “Grimes was an horrific predator, who targeted young and vulnerable children for his own sexual gratification. He had an elevated sense of self-worth, where he believed he could prey on vulnerable children and get away with it.
“We can never underestimate the devastating impact Grimes’ abusive actions has had on every one of his young victims.
“I want to praise each and every victim for coming forward and finding the courage to support our investigation. The sheer bravery of those speaking out in the first investigation has helped provide courage and strength to a further 13 people who were harmed at the hands of Grimes.”
Detective Chief Superintendent Zara Brown added, “Child sexual abuse and exploitation can affect any child or young person, regardless of their background, culture, gender, age or ethnicity, and has no place in our society.
“I highly commend all the victims involved in both of the cases against Grimes for their bravery in coming forward and supporting the investigation.
“This case has enabled survivors to have their voice heard and their experience validated, as well as securing justice, and it demonstrates that regardless of when an incident happened, it is never too late to report – we are here for you.”
