On Monday 14th September 2026, John Grant, 77, was sentenced to a total of eight and a half years imprisonment for a series of sexual offences against young men between 1970 and 2008. This follows on from Grant being found guilty of 11 counts of sexual offences on 13th July 2026.  

For almost four decades, Grant held senior roles within churches across the UK, including Billingham Baptist Church, Ward Green Baptist Church and Broomsknoll Church of Scotland.

Grant used his position of power and trust to manipulate young men within the church community. He became involved in youth groups within the church, where he would offer to support vulnerable young men who were experiencing difficulties, before going on to sexually assault them.

Judge Emma Deacon KC noted during the sentencing that Grant had carried out the ‘sustained manipulation of two young men’ who he ‘knew to be vulnerable’. It was noted throughout the trial that Grant targeted teenagers through youth groups, and manufactured relationships with them for his own gratification.

The abuse was first reported by one survivor in 2023, who described being repeatedly sexually assaulted by Grant for over a 30-year period, starting in 1994. This sparked an investigation by the Metropolitan Police and resulted in further survivors coming forward.

Following a three-week trial, Grant was found guilty of the following: -

• Six counts of indecent assault
• Three counts of sexual assault
• Two counts of causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent

Sadly, we see time and time again, that an abuser will continue a rain of abuse over decades especially when in a position of trust such as a priest as often the survivor has concerns, they will not be believed over the abuser. We see in religious organisations, abusers often avoided discovery by moving between locations and congregations.

Criminal v Civil

A criminal trial will hope to bring a perpetrator to justice, but often the survivor will have suffered a significant impact to their life due to the abuse they suffered. Often a survivor may have suffered a psychiatrist injury in addition to impacting education and career. This is where a civil claim can come in.

At Switalskis, our specialist abuse lawyers have decades of experience in representing survivors of sexual abuse in religious organisations.

Depending on the circumstances, survivors may be able to:

• Bring a claim directly against the perpetrator where the individual responsible for the abuse can be identified and has the financial means to pay any compensation awarded.
• Make an application to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA), if they meet the relevant eligibility criteria and time limits. 
• Bring a claim against the organisation or institution where the abuse occurred in circumstances connected to the abuser’s  employment, position, or role within that organisation.

The viable legal action depends on the individual facts of the case. In cases similar to the above, a claim could be potentially brought against the Baptist Church for Grant’s abuse under vicarious liability should it be established there was a  ‘close connection’ between his role within the church and the abuse that had taken place.

The perpetrator must have had a relationship of employment or ‘akin’ to employment within the church for the church to be vicariously liable, for example, they were given pastoral responsibilities or authority within the church such as a youth leader which gave the perpetrator the opportunity that enabled the abuse to take place.

Secondly, the role must have then been ‘closely’ connected to the abuse that then took place.

Following changes to the law on limitation, there is now no time bar for bringing a civil compensation claim for childhood sexual abuse in England and Wales. Instead, the defendant in a civil claim must prove that a fair trial cannot take place. However, it is advised to seek legal advice as soon as possible to avoid vital evidence from being lost.

The most appropriate route to receiving compensation will depend on the individual circumstances of each case. Our specialist abuse lawyers have significant experience in representing clients who have suffered sexual abuse within religious organisations and can provide confidential legal advice to help survivors understand the options available to them.

We understand that such cases are very emotional for clients and are often legally complex, therefore we are dedicated to providing a supportive and professional environment in which our clients can feel confident in our services. We are committed to ensuring our clients receive the compensation they deserve.

How can Switalskis help?

Every survivor of abuse deserves justice. This not only includes the abuser’s taking accountability for their crimes, but for the survivors to find their voice, take back control and access compensation for the harm they have suffered.

At Switalskis, our specialist abuse lawyers have decades of experience in representing survivors of child sexual exploitation. We understand that such cases are very emotional for clients and are often legally complex, therefore we are dedicated to providing a supportive and professional environment in which our clients can feel confident in our services. We are committed to ensuring our clients receive the compensation they deserve.

If you have been impacted and would like to discuss your experience in confidence, our specialist abuse team can help. Call 0808 258 8041 or email help@switalskis.com  .