A ‘modern-day’ Fagin sexually abused 10 children after luring them to his home, a jury heard.
Carson Grimes, 65, carried out serious sexual offences against boys and girls in North London and at his former home in Selbourne Road, Luton, it was alleged.
Prosecutor Martin Mulgrew told a jury at Luton Crown Court: “He preyed on vulnerable children over several years.
“He groomed them to gain their trust. As he moved from victim to victim his sexual offending became more serious and more brazen. The longer it went on the more emboldened he became.
“Many of the witnesses thought he was untouchable.” Mr Mulgrew said the offences were carried out between 1980 and 2002 on 10 young people, the youngest of whom was aged 5.
“He had cynically gained their trust. Many were highly vulnerable and from dysfunctional homes. They were found sniffing glue, smoking cannabis and getting into trouble with the police.
“They were targeted. He was a modern-day Fagin character who allowed them to come to his home.”
Grimes of Dumfries Court, Luton pleads not guilty to 46 charges. They allege indecent assault, rape, buggery and indecency with a child.
