Sexual abuse church deacon John Grant may have more victims – Met

A “prolific” church deacon and youth group leader in north London who groomed and sexually assaulted young men over five decades has been convicted.

John Grant was convicted of three counts of sexual assault and six counts of indecent assault between 1970 and 2012 at Wood Green Court on Monday.

Police believe the 77-year-old may have more victims due to “his lengthy association with the church as an influential member at multiple religious institutions”.

Det Con Liam Levy said: “This is a deeply distressing case involving a number of non-recent 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.”

Grant, from Hornsey in north London, was also found guilty of two counts of causing another person to engage in non-penetrative sexual activity. The 11 offences related to four victims.

Grant carried out his assaults at Muswell Hill Baptist Church, where he held his most senior role as moderator for the London Baptist Association, and several youth groups in north London, as well as Billingham Baptist Church in Stockton-on-Tees, the Met Police said.

The London Baptist Association said it was “deeply saddened” by the conviction, adding they “unreservedly condemn his actions and stand alongside those whose lives have been profoundly affected by them”.