Exclusive:Portsmouth landlord found nude photographs printed by murderer accused of rape

A Royal Navy officer serving a life sentence for murdering two men printed nude photographs of a man - from a digital camera he shared with his landlord, a court heard.

Former petty officer Allan Grimson was jailed for life in 2001 for the murders of Nicholas Wright and Sion Jenkins in the late 1990s.

The 66-year-old is now on trial at Winchester Crown Court accused of the rape of a teenager and indecent assault charges against three other male complainants, including a 14-year-old boy, dating between February 1994 and November 1999. Grimson denies the charges.

This morning (Friday, July 3), the jury heard evidence from Gary Hicks, who owned a flat in London Road, North End, at the time the offences were allegedly committed. Grimson stayed in this property when he was not on deployment.

Mr Hicks, who also served in the Royal Navy as a Chief Petty Officer, served on board HMS Excellent in the 1990s. He told the court how Grimson lied about the identity of a man he had brought back to the apartment, then used a printer to produce naked photographs of that same man.

“Grimson was a good friend at the time. I trusted him with the place while I was on deployment - as far as I’m aware, he only used one of the bedrooms, and was living there alone.

“I was introduced to another person there - the first time Grimson spoke to me about him, he said he was a relative who was serving in the navy, and to keep an eye on him. It all seemed very plausible.”

At the property in London Road, Grimson and Mr Hicks had a digital camera, which they shared.

The witness added: “Back in the day these cameras couldn’t take much memory, so we would download photos onto his computer. I had a folder called ‘Gary’s Photos’.

“I saw a photograph of an erect penis of a man. There were two, and one had been printed on the printer.

“Grimson tried to say they were just messing around.”

The court heard how when Grimson was arrested by police, on suspicion of murder, Mr Hicks was also in the property. During his time staying at the flat, Grimson also redecorated - as well as replacing some of the carpets.

From Mr Hicks’ wife Lisa, there were occasions when Grimson asked them if a man could stay at the apartment overnight.

(Proceeding)