A former church deacon and youth group leader, John Grant, has been convicted of a series of sexual and indecent assaults against young men that took place over five decades. The 77-year-old was found guilty at Wood Green Court on Monday of three counts of sexual assault and six counts of indecent assault, with the offences occurring between 1970 and 2012. He was also convicted of two counts of causing another person to engage in non-penetrative sexual activity, with the 11 charges relating to four victims.
Police have indicated that they believe there may be additional victims, citing Grant's "lengthy association with the church as an influential member at multiple religious institutions." Detective Constable Liam Levy praised the courage of the victim-survivors who came forward, stating that their accounts were crucial in identifying the extent of Grant's offending. The Metropolitan Police have urged anyone with further information or who believes they may be a victim to come forward.
Grant, from Hornsey in north London, carried out his assaults at several locations, including Muswell Hill Baptist Church, where he held a senior role as moderator for the London Baptist Association. His offending also took place at various youth groups in north London and at Billingham Baptist Church in Stockton-on-Tees. Police investigations revealed that Grant had also been associated with Broomsknoll Church of Scotland in Airdrie between 1965 and 1970, and Ward Green Baptist Church in Barnsley between 1973 and 1984.
The London Baptist Association expressed deep sadness following the conviction, unreservedly condemning Grant's actions and acknowledging the profound impact on victims' lives. They stated that Grant had been a "prominent and influential figure" within their association and highlighted the case as a "sobering reminder" of potential misuse of authority within churches. The association has committed to cooperating fully with the Metropolitan Police and will reflect on the case to strengthen safeguarding measures.
The force first became aware of Grant's activities in 2023 after a victim reported being repeatedly sexually assaulted over a 30-year period, starting in 1994. Investigators noted a consistent pattern in Grant's behaviour, where he groomed vulnerable young men through coercive control before carrying out the assaults. Grant is scheduled to be sentenced on 11 September 2026.