A harrowing episode of Channel 4's documentary series 24 Hours in Police Custody has left viewers feeling physically sick and compelled to switch off their televisions, after detailing what many described as a campaign of sheer evil by serial paedophile Carson Grimes.
Disturbing Crimes Uncovered in Luton
The programme, titled 24 Hours in Police Custody: Burying Horror, delved into the horrific crimes of 69-year-old Carson Grimes, who is currently serving at least 22 years and nine months in prison. Grimes was originally jailed in October 2021 following a seven-year investigation that revealed he had abused nine young people at his home in Luton, Bedfordshire.
His modus operandi involved preying upon vulnerable young people by pretending to be a friend, inviting them to his house, plying them with alcohol and cannabis, and then subjecting them to sexual abuse. Shockingly, he would often assault his victims while they slept, creating a pattern of manipulation and terror that spanned decades.
Fresh Investigation Reveals New Horrors
The latest episode showcased a new investigation by Bedfordshire Police's rape and serious sexual offences team, triggered when Grimes's former neighbour rang 999 to report discovering large bones in her garden, adjacent to the house where he had drugged his victims. This prompted detectives to examine whether his abusive behaviour was continuing, even from behind bars.
Detectives discovered that Grimes remained in contact with some victims and was suspected of manipulating them from prison to prevent them from testifying against him. The investigation revealed that some victims had suffered abuse up to 30 years ago but had remained silent until now, highlighting the long-term trauma inflicted by his actions.
Viewer Reactions: Physical Disgust and Outrage
Social media platforms were flooded with reactions from viewers who found the episode unbearable to watch. On X, formerly Twitter, one person wrote: Sickening episode, while another added: Wow. That was a hard watch. A third viewer commented: Feel physically sick. There are no words strong enough to describe the sheer evil #24HoursInPoliceCustody.
On TikTok, viewers expressed similar sentiments, with one stating: I am absolutely fuming after watching that, and another revealing: 24 Hours in police custody is my favourite programme but had to turn it off within a couple of minutes I can't watch anything to children. The overwhelming response underscored the programme's emotional impact and the disturbing nature of Grimes's crimes.
Police Comparisons to Jimmy Savile
In the documentary, Detective Inspector Clare Gilbert described Grimes as a classic Jimmy Savile figure, noting that he was loved by many while abusing children under everyone's nose. She stated: He is a classic Jimmy Savile. Everyone loved him but he was abusing kids under everyone's nose. No one would have suspected it. I imagine that there are hundreds of victims.
DI Gilbert also highlighted Grimes's lack of emotion during police interviews, interpreting it as a display of power and control. She expressed scepticism about his potential for rehabilitation, saying: I have absolutely no doubt that he won't be engaging in any of those programmes around rehabilitation or acknowledging any of the abuse that he's committed over the years. He's a man that will never do that.
Victim Impact Statements Reveal Lifelong Trauma
The episode featured powerful testimonies from Grimes's victims, who described the lasting psychological damage caused by his abuse. One victim, Michael, spoke about wanting to confront Grimes in court, saying: I just want him to know that he's not a part of my life anymore. He's not at the back of my mind. I want to look him in the eye, yeah, just to let him know that he hasn’t got away with it.
Another victim, Patrick, shared his nervousness about attending the sentencing after 38 years, stating: Bit nervous because obviously it is 38 years since I've seen this predator. Obviously you never forget that, what's happened to you. It's always going to be there. But for me, it's to stop blaming myself really. I hid for 38 years. But I'm not doing it no more.
Victim impact statements read at the sentencing hearing revealed severe consequences, including suicide attempts, broken relationships, and lifelong mental health struggles. One victim described being sectioned multiple times and losing contact with their son for a decade, directly attributing these issues to Grimes's abuse.
Police Condemnation and Justice Pursuit
Detective Chief Superintendent Zara Brown, head of Bedfordshire Police's crime and public protection unit, condemned Grimes as one of the most depraved predators the force has ever encountered. She said: Without a doubt, this was one of the largest child sexual abuse and exploitation cases that we have ever dealt with, and Grimes is one of the most depraved predators that we have come across.
She emphasised the importance of bringing further charges against Grimes to secure justice for additional victims who showed bravery in coming forward, noting that all victims have carried trauma well into adulthood, with many experiencing long-term emotional and psychological harm.
The judge at Grimes's sentencing expressed hope that he would never see freedom again, stating: I hope you don't see the light of freedom again, reflecting the severity of his crimes and the collective desire for justice.
24 Hours in Police Custody: Burying Horror is available to stream on Channel 4, serving as a stark reminder of the horrors of sexual abuse and the ongoing efforts by police to bring perpetrators to justice.
