The mother of a sailor feared murdered by the notorious 'Frankenstein Killer' has spoken of her enduring hope for justice, after police concluded a four-decade investigation into his disappearance.
A Mother's Unwavering Hope
Margaret Parkes, 78, from Kingswood near Bristol, said she was "very disappointed" by Hampshire Police's decision to end the active investigation. Her son, Simon Parkes, was an 18-year-old radio operator on board the aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious when he vanished on 12 December 1986 after going ashore in Gibraltar.
"We are very disappointed to hear the latest news as we felt the new evidence was very strong," Mrs Parkes told GBC News. "But we won't give up hope and pray that it will encourage more people to come forward with new information."
The Shadow of the 'Frankenstein Killer'
The cold case has long been linked to serial killer Allan Grimson, who was serving on the same vessel at the time. Grimson, nicknamed the 'Frankenstein Killer' due to his 6ft 2in frame and large forehead, was jailed for life in 2001 for the murders of two young men.
He pleaded guilty to killing 18-year-old sailor Nicholas Wright in December 1997 and 20-year-old barman Sion Jenkins in December 1998. A psychologist later concluded these were not his first killings, and the judge sentencing him stated Grimson was "a serial killer in nature, if not in number."
Simon Parkes's family are convinced he was an earlier victim, noting he disappeared in the same month – December – eleven years before Nicholas Wright. Grimson, however, has always denied any involvement in Simon's case.
Investigation Concludes After Decades
Hampshire Police confirmed the case has now been filed unless new information emerges. The force had dedicated significant resources over nearly 40 years, including sending specialist teams to Gibraltar in 2019 to pursue fresh intelligence.
Detective Superintendent Adam Edwards stated: "Officers have worked tirelessly to investigate the disappearance of Simon Parkes and to find answers for his devastated family." He explained that all recent information had been "thoroughly explored" following a complex investigation which included advice from the Crown Prosecution Service.
"The full circumstances surrounding Simon's disappearance still remain unknown," Det Supt Edwards added, while emphasising that no cold case is ever closed indefinitely and new information would prompt further action.
Grimson, now 66, was denied parole last year amid public safety fears. Speaking at the time, Margaret Parkes described him as a "psychopath" and a "danger to society" who should never be freed. Police continue to appeal for anyone who was on HMS Illustrious in 1986 or in Gibraltar on the day Simon vanished to come forward.
