Hampshire Police have closed their investigation into the disappearance of Royal Navy sailor Simon Parkes, who vanished in Gibraltar in 1986 aged 18. The case had long been linked to serial killer Allan Grimson, a former petty officer jailed for murdering two young men.
Simon, a radio operator on HMS Illustrious, went ashore on December 12, 1986, and never returned. Grimson, nicknamed the 'Frankenstein Killer' for his imposing appearance, was on the same ship at the time. He was convicted in 2001 for the murders of 18-year-old naval rating Nicholas Wright and 20-year-old barman Sion Jenkins, but has always denied involvement in Simon's disappearance.
Detective Superintendent Adam Edwards confirmed the probe has been put on file, stating: 'Officers have worked tirelessly... Following a complex investigation, we are now drawing our enquiries to a close.' Specialist teams were deployed to Gibraltar in 2019 after new intelligence emerged, but no further action is planned unless fresh information surfaces.
Simon's family remain convinced Grimson is responsible. His mother Margaret, 78, previously called Grimson a 'psychopath' and a 'danger to society'. Grimson, diagnosed with an untreatable personality disorder, was denied parole last year. Police continue to appeal for anyone with information, particularly those on HMS Illustrious or in Gibraltar in December 1986, to come forward.
