Documentary to focus on investigation of serial sex offender in Luton
Carson Grimes, also known as Carson Phillips, was jailed for life in October 2021
Last updated 27th Jan 2026
The latest episode of 24 Hours in Police Custody will focus on the second investigation into Carson Grimes, a prolific sex offender previously convicted for historic sexual abuse offences and grooming. The programme will air tonight on Channel 4 at 9pm.
Grimes, who also went by the name Carson Phillips, was first sentenced to life in October 2021, with a minimum term of 22 years. This initial conviction related to his abuse of nine young people at his house in Luton, which Bedfordshire Police described as a 'horror house.'
After media coverage, further victims came forward, prompting a new investigation into crimes dating back as far as 1987.
Detective Inspector Clare Gilbert, who oversaw the second investigation, praised the victim’s bravery in coming forward. She said: “Many of the victims were men, who are now in their late 40s and early 50s. So, to sit there and talk about abuse as a man, that happened when you were 12, 13, 14, 15 years old, that you've never told anybody about in your whole life, takes real courage.
“It also, it takes trust in the person that you're talking to, and it's not lost on me that we have to build those relationships with our victims.”
Following the second investigation, Grimes pleaded guilty to 24 additional charges related to 13 new victims, earning him another life sentence in June 2023. He now must serve a minimum term of 22 years and nine months before parole consideration.
Speaking to Greatest Hits Radio, DI Gilbert said ‘one of her biggest frustrations was that Grimes was aged 63 before he was first convicted’, meaning he had gone decades without seeing justice which left a huge impact on victims.
“Many of them victims have struggled with drink and drugs, they've struggled with their mental health, they've struggled with their relationships with family, gone on to have marriages that have struggled and broken down, struggled with relationships with their own children because of the abuse.
“So, to actually have that justice, to feel heard, to have been believed, it's overwhelming for them. I really want it to have had a positive impact now. I think there's still recovery for lots of them, and you really hope that they can move positively forward”, she said.
Supporting victims
Bedfordshire Police says it is commitment to empowering victims, noting that not all wish for a full investigation but still deserve to have their voices heard.
Detective Chief Superintendent Zara Brown, Head of Bedfordshire Police’s Crime and Public Protection Unit, said: “We will tirelessly pursue offenders, no matter how long ago the abuse took place. In this case even though Grimes was already facing substantial time behind bars, it was important to bring further charges against him to get justice for the additional victims who showed such bravery in coming forward.
"We know how hard it can be to report abuse, but we are here to listen and support you every step of the way.”