Church figure jailed for 8.5 years for sexual assaults

John Grant, aged 77, has been sentenced to eight and a half years in prison following his conviction for multiple sexual offences. The sentencing took place at Wood Green Crown Court on Monday, 14 September. Grant was found guilty of three counts of sexual assault, six counts of indecent assault, and two counts of causing another person to engage in non-penetrative sexual activity.

Investigation into decades of abuse

The Metropolitan Police investigation commenced in 2023 after a victim-survivor reported experiencing repeated sexual assaults over a 30-year period. The abuse reportedly began in 1994 when the victim-survivor shared a house with Grant. The assaults, involving sexual touching under pressure, continued until the victim moved out in 1998 and resumed when the victim returned to the address in 1999, lasting until 2008.

Detectives gathered detailed accounts from victim-survivors, building a case against Grant, who held senior church and community roles across the country between 1970 and 2012. These included positions at Muswell Hill Baptist Church in north London, Billingham Baptist Church in Stockton-on-Tees, and various youth groups in north London. Grant served as a church deacon and youth group leader.

Police appeal for more victims

Detective Chief Inspector Elsa Mak stated that the sentencing followed an extensive investigation and demonstrated the Met's commitment to justice. She paid tribute to the bravery of the victim-survivors whose accounts were instrumental in identifying the scale of Grant's offending over four decades. The Met is committed to investigating all reports of rape and serious sexual offences, regardless of when they occurred, promising dignity, compassion, and sensitivity to any victim-survivor who comes forward.

Grant's association with multiple religious institutions, including Broomsknoll Church of Scotland in Airdrie (1965-1970) and Ward Green Baptist Church in Barnsley (1973-1984), has led investigators to believe there may be additional victims. His most senior role was as Moderator for the London Baptist Association at Muswell Hill Baptist Church, a position that involved preaching and moderating for other churches in the district, potentially leading to contact with more individuals.

The police are appealing for any other potential victim-survivors to come forward due to the nature and scale of Grant's known offending. Information can be reported to the police by calling 101, quoting CAD3277/08JUL26, or by contacting Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

In addition to his prison sentence, Grant received an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and has been placed on the sex offender register for life.