Former South Yorkshire church deacon sexually abused young men over four decades
Convicted man was in South Yorkshire in the 70s and 80s
A former South Yorkshire church deacon and youth group leader has been convicted of sexual offences against four young men over a period of more than 40 years.
John Grant, aged 77, of Colney Hatch Lane, Hornsey, north London, was a member of a church in Barnsley between 1973 and 1984.
He was also a senior figure in churches across the UK as well as at several youth groups in north London.
He was found guilty at Wood Green Crown Court of three counts of sexual assault, six counts of indecent assault and two counts of causing another person to engage in sexual activity.
The offences relate to four victims and took place between 1970 and 2012, the Metropolitan Police said.
Detectives believe he may have preyed on several more victims and are appealing for anyone with information to come for ward.
Detective Constable Liam Levy, who led the investigation, said: “This is a deeply distressing case involving a number of nonrecent sexual offences, and I would like to recognise the courage and bravery shown by the victim-survivors in coming forward and putting their trust in us.
“This conviction would not have been possible without their accounts that were provided in the early stages of the investigation, which helped identify the scale of Grant’s prolific offending a cross more than four decades.
“The victim-survivors were vulnerable young men who put their trust in Grant through his church association, and it is devastating they could be taken advantage of in this way.
“As this case demonstrates, the Met is firmly committed to investigating all reports of rape and sexual offences, even if they occurred many years ago.
“Any victim-survivor that comes forward will be treated with dignity, compassion and sensitivity at every step of the way.”
Due to the nature of this offending and the links to multiple churches, detectives are keen to encourage other potential victim-survivors to come forward.
Anyone with information or wishing to report offences relating to Grant can call police on 101 quoting CAD3277/08JUL26. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
For confidential help, the 24/7 Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Line offers free phone and online chat for anyone aged 16+ in England and Wales: 0808 500 2222 or visit 247sexualabusesupport.org.uk.