Multiple victims who were abused by a prolific sex offender in Luton have described their trauma after he was handed another life sentence.
Carson Grimes, also known as Carson Phillips, now 69, was handed an initial life sentence with a minimum term of 22 years after being jailed in October 2021 for grooming, raping and sexually abusing nine young people at his ‘horror house’.
Several new victims came forward following his conviction which featured heavily in the media and on an episode of 24 Hours in Police Custody, prompting a fresh investigation by Bedfordshire Police’s Rape and Serious Sexual Offences (RASSO).
Grimes preyed upon vulnerable young people by pretending to be a friend to them and inviting them to his house. He then plied them with drink and drugs before subjecting them to horrific sexual abuse.
At a court hearing in April, Grimes, originally of Dumfries Street, pleaded guilty to 24 new charges in relation to 13 victims dating back to 1987.
He was given another life sentence and will now have to serve a minimum term of 22 years and nine months from before he is considered for parole.
Some of the victims had their personal impact statements read out during the sentencing hearing at Luton Crown Court describing the impact Grimes’ horrific abuse had on their lives.
“I was good at hiding things and never told anyone about what happened to me. He came back into my life when I watched 24 hours in Police Custody. I became emotional, it all came back to me. I have built up the courage and confidence since watching the TV programme to fight for justice,” said one victim.
Another said: “What he did to me has affected all areas of my life since I was 14 or 15 years old. I still feel as ashamed now as I did then despite knowing it was not my fault. I have suffered from intrusive thoughts all my life since that time and have self-medicated.”
Once victim admitted: “I was sectioned a few times for my own safety due to suicide attempts. This ruined my marriage because I could not hold a relationship down. I lost contact with my son and did not see him for 10 years and it still affects our relationship now.
“Every few months I go on a complete downer, this is something I can never escape from and is always with me. My relationships have been ruined and have failed because of him,” one victim added.
Another victim said: “I feel like all my hopes and dreams for my future had been destroyed. I lost my ability to make decisions and weigh up risks. I have experienced many issues with my family relationships. I have always struggled to see good in people because of what Carson did.”
In her summary, the judge said that Grimes had groomed and terrified the victims into his acts of deviant abuse and described the victim impact statements as phenomenally brave and heart rendering.
She also said that Grimes was a serious danger to the public and when handing him his sentence said: “I hope you don’t see the light of freedom again”.
Detective Inspector Clare Gilbert said: “This has been one of the largest child sexual abuse and exploitation cases that Bedfordshire has seen, and Grimes has been one of the most horrific predators that we have ever dealt with.
“He targeted young and vulnerable children for his own sexual gratification. I want to praise every survivor for their bravery in speaking out and supporting our investigation.
“Sadly, we can never underestimate the devastating impact of his predatory behaviour on these victims who have carried the terrible harm he inflicted on them well into adulthood.
“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.
“Victims may not realise they are being groomed, they may feel they are to blame, and they may even believe they are a willing participant, which was clearly never the case and young people cannot consent to such abuse.
“We know only too well that a victim may carry this burden for many years before they are ready to open up about what has happened.
“It is never too late to make a disclosure. I know it can be so difficult to report abuse, but we are here to support you every step of the way.”
Reports of sexual assault, even if non-recent, can be made to the police by calling 101 or Online.
