Paedophile Eric Grant, 91, Jailed for Child Sex Abuse After 17 Years
Eric Grant, 91, from Isleham, has been locked up for ten years at Basildon Crown Court for abusing an 11-year-old girl between 2004 and 2005. The sickening crimes took place across Cambridgeshire and Essex.
Victim’s Brave Call Leads to Justice
The victim courageously came forward in March 2021, nearly two decades after the abuse. Before reporting Grant to police, she confronted him in a recorded phone call where Grant shockingly claimed the abuse was consensual. This recording became crucial evidence.
Essex Police’s specialist Quest Team, who investigate historic child sexual abuse, took on the case. Grant stonewalled police when interviewed in July 2021 but was charged a few months later.
Guilty Verdict After Lengthy Trial
Grant’s trial began in December 2022 at Basildon Crown Court. Despite his “cowardly defence,” jurors found him guilty. He was placed on the Sex Offenders Register and remanded into custody before being sentenced to a decade behind bars on 23 February.
The court also slapped him with a restraining order banning any contact with the victim.
Judge & Cops Praise Victim’s Courage
The victim bravely spoke out during sentencing, revealing the lasting trauma caused by Grant’s abuse, including her fierce protectiveness of her own child.
“I want to commend the bravery of the victim in this case, who I know feels like a massive weight has now been lifted,” said Detective Sergeant Ed Massey, investigating officer. “Grant is likely to spend the rest of his life in prison, reflecting the devastating effects of his crimes and the hardship he forced the victim through.”
Judge Hurst slammed Grant for dragging the victim through the stressful court process despite his own recorded admissions.
Historic Abuse Doesn’t Mean No Justice
Detective Sergeant Shirley Cole, from Essex’s Quest Team, added:
“Just because abuse happened decades ago doesn’t mean victims lose their right to justice. We urge anyone abused as a child to come forward and report it.”
Support Available for Survivors
Anyone affected by sexual abuse can access vital support through Synergy Essex, a partnership of rape and sexual abuse centres including CARA and Southend-on-Sea Rape Crisis. They provide emotional support, counselling, and specialist help throughout the criminal justice process.
Victims and survivors can self-refer or be referred by loved ones or professionals to receive guidance and advocacy.
