POLICE are appealing for victims after a senior church figure was convicted of non-recent sexual offences.

John Grant, 77, has been a senior figures across churches and in local communities across the country.

He was a member of Ward Green Baptist Church between 1973 and 1984.

At Wood Green Crown Court on Monday he was found guilty of three counts of sexual assault, six counts of indecent assault and two counts of causing another person to engage in non-penetrative sexual activity.

He will be sentenced at the same court on Friday, September 11.

The offences relate to four victim-survivors and took place between 1970 and 2012 when Grant was associated with several churches across the country and youth groups in north London.

He held various roles, including church deacon and youth group leader.

Detective Constable Liam Levy, who led the investigation, said: “This is a deeply distressing case involving a number of non-recent sexual offences, and I would like to recognise the courage and bravery shown by the victim-survivors in coming forward and putting their trust in us.

“This conviction would not have been possible without their accounts that were provided in the early stages of the investigation, which helped identify the scale of Grant’s prolific offending across more than four decades.

“The victim-survivors were vulnerable young men who put their trust in Grant through his church association, and it is devastating they could be taken advantage of in this way.

“As this case demonstrates, the Met is firmly committed to investigating all reports of rape and sexual offences, even if they occurred many years ago.

“Any victim-survivor that comes forward will be treated with dignity, compassion and sensitivity at every step of the way.”

Due to the nature of this offending and the links to multiple churches, detectives are keen to encourage other potential victim-survivors to come forward.

A Met Police spokesperson added: “In addition to Billingham and Muswell Hill churches, Grant was also a member of the Broomsknoll Church of Scotland in Airdrie between 1965 and 1970. He was also a member of Ward Green Baptist Church in Barnsley between 1973 and 1984.

“The most senior role held by Grant was at Muswell Hill Baptist Church as Moderator for the London Baptist Association.

“This would see Grant stand in as a moderator for the other churches in the district and preach in local churches around Muswell Hill, which detectives believe may have resulted in contact with other potential victim-survivors.

“The Met is committed to continually improving the support provided to victim-survivors, helping to build trust and confidence by listening, learning and taking action.

“This means putting victim-survivors at the centre of investigations, while maintaining a suspect-focused and context-led approach to achieving the best possible outcomes.

“Anyone with information or wishing to report offences relating to Grant can call police on 101 quoting CAD3277/08JUL26. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”