Breaking the Silence: The "Horror House" of Carson Grimes

For decades, the actions of one man in Luton were unknown to most. To the outside world, Carson Grimes (also known as Carson Phillips) appeared to be a friendly figure. In reality, he was one of the UK’s most depraved predators, operating what victims and police eventually dubbed a "horror house."

The scale of his crimes only fully came to light due to the bravery of his survivors and the impact of the Channel 4 documentary series 24 Hours in Police Custody.

A Cycle of Manipulation

Grimes’ methods were as calculated as they were cruel. He targeted young, vulnerable children, some as young as five years old, by posing as a mentor and friend. Once he lured them into his home, he would give them food and drink, or alcohol and drugs before subjecting them to horrific sexual abuse.

Many survivors grew up carrying a heavy burden of shame and trauma, often believing they were somehow responsible or that they had "agreed" to the abuse - a common misconception in cases involving grooming. For many, the impact was life-altering, leading to struggles with mental health, addiction, and broken relationships.

In October 2021, Grimes went to court and was found guilty of 19 counts of rape, 11 of indecent assault and 6 of indecency with a child. The crimes took place in London, when he lived there in the 1980s, and worked as a bus driver. His behaviour escalated when he moved to Bedfordshire and continued for years.

The Power of Coming Forward

In October 2021, Grimes was initially sentenced to life in prison for crimes against nine young people. However, when his case was featured on 24 Hours in Police Custody, it served as a catalyst for justice. Seeing the investigation on screen gave other survivors the "courage and confidence" to finally speak out.
One survivor shared in a heart-rending impact statement:

"I was good at hiding things and never told anyone… He came back into my life when I watched 24 Hours in Police Custody. I became emotional; it all came back to me."

Justice Delayed, but Not Denied

This surge of new evidence prompted a second major investigation by the Bedfordshire Police. In June 2025, Grimes, now 69, faced the consequences of his decades-long campaign of abuse. He pleaded guilty to 24 new charges involving 13 additional victims, with crimes dating back as far as 1987. The victims in the case were boys aged between 11 and 16.

He now has multiple life sentences and must serve a minimum of 22 years and nine months before being considered for parole. As the sentencing judge remarked, the goal is that he may never "see the light of freedom again."

While the legal battle has ended, the recovery for the survivors continues. Their decision to step out of the shadows has not only secured a final conviction for a prolific offender but has also sent a powerful message - it is never too late to seek justice.

There is no time limit for reporting historic abuse to the police. This case has shown that the more people speak the more likely it is they will get justice. It is very common for survivors of childhood abuse to not come forward until adulthood. Often the emotional process of healing cannot start until they tell someone about the abuse.

Finding the courage to speak out is a monumental step. If you or someone you know has been affected by historic abuse, several specialist organisations in the UK offer free, confidential, and non-judgmental support, whether or not you choose to involve the police.

National Support Organisations

NAPAC (National Association for People Abused in Childhood)

• Focus: The only national charity dedicated specifically to adult survivors of any form of childhood abuse.
• Contact: 0808 801 0331 (Mon–Thu: 10am–9pm; Fri: 10am–6pm)
• Website: napac.org.uk

The Survivors Trust

• Focus: An umbrella agency for over 120 member organisations providing specialist support across the UK and Ireland.
• Contact: 0808 801 0818
• Website: thesurvivorstrust.org

Survivors of historic abuse in the UK can seek financial redress through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme. This is a government funded scheme for victims of violent crime. It is a requirement of the scheme for the crime to be reported to the police, and you will need to cooperate with the police investigation and any subsequent court process.

There is often the belief that a claim must be brought within 2 years of the crime, and therefore many survivors of historical abuse do not seek compensation. Whilst the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority does have specific time limits, in cases of historical sexual abuse it is possible to make applications passed the usual time limits under exceptional circumstances.

Winston Solicitors specialises in Criminal Injury Compensation Scheme claims and our lawyers can advise you whether you are eligible for compensation, according to your personal circumstances. We understand that every survivor’s story deserves to be heard, therefore our trained specialist will handle your claim with dignity and compassion.

Our CICA team has expertise in dealing with Criminal Injury Compensation Scheme claims from knowing, how and when to submit the claim, through to completion. They are also experienced in dealing with review applications and tribunal appeals.

Please contact us on 0113 320 5000 or email CICA@winstonsolicitors.co.uk to discuss your case.