After nearly four decades, a major police investigation into the disappearance of a Royal Navy sailor, feared murdered by a notorious serial killer, has been formally concluded.
Four-Decade Search for Answers
Hampshire Police have confirmed they are drawing their active investigation into the vanishing of Simon Parkes to a close. The 18-year-old radio operator disappeared on 12 December 1986 while serving on the aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious. He went ashore in Gibraltar but never returned to his ship.
The case has long been intertwined with the crimes of Allan Grimson, a former petty officer nicknamed the 'Frankenstein Killer' due to his imposing 6ft 2in frame and large forehead. Grimson was serving on the same vessel at the time of Simon's disappearance and was later jailed for life in 2001 for the murders of two other young men.
A Chilling Pattern of Violence
Grimson's murderous spree showed a grim pattern. He killed 18-year-old sailor Nicholas Wright on 12 December 1997 – the same calendar date Simon vanished. Exactly one year later, he murdered 20-year-old barman Sion Jenkins. Grimson chillingly described killing as "better than sex" and was diagnosed with an untreatable personality disorder.
Despite being a prime suspect, Grimson has always denied any involvement in Simon Parkes's case. However, Simon's family remain "100 per cent certain" he was responsible. Speaking last year, Simon's mother, Margaret Parkes, 78, from Kingswood near Bristol, called Grimson a "psychopath" and a "danger to society."
Recent Efforts and Final Decision
In recent years, detectives pursued new lines of enquiry. Following credible intelligence, specialist teams were deployed to Gibraltar in 2019 and again in 2023 and 2024, conducting searches at locations including the Town Range car park and a local cemetery.
Detective Superintendent Adam Edwards stated: "Officers have worked tirelessly to investigate the disappearance of Simon Parkes and to find answers for his devastated family." He confirmed that after a complex investigation, including advice from the Crown Prosecution Service, enquiries are now concluding. The full circumstances of Simon's disappearance remain unknown.
The case will now lie on file unless new information emerges. Police will continue to support the coronial process. Det Supt Edwards renewed an appeal: "I know it was a long time ago, but if there is anything you remember being strange or out of place please get in touch... Any small piece of information could really help."
The plea extends to anyone who served on HMS Illustrious, lived in Gibraltar, or was holidaying there on that fateful night in December 1986.
