Alfred Geoffrey Grimble, 80, previously of Martham, Great Yarmouth, groomed a single victim and carried out multiple offences between 2013 until 2017.

Grimble pleaded not guilty to 13 sexual offences and went before a jury at Norwich Crown Court in 2023.

The offences included seven counts of sexual assault of a child under 13, five counts of assault of a child under 13 by penetration, two counts of rape of a child under 13 and causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity.

Alfred Geoffrey Grimble was sentenced to 15 years in prison and has died aged 80 (Image: Norwich Police)

Following a week-long trial, the then 78-year-old was convicted of all 13 counts by a unanimous jury and sentenced to 15 years in prison, one year on license and given an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

He also admitted to a further two charges.

An inquest into the sex offender’s death was opened on Monday at Norfolk Coroner’s Court.

Assistant corner for Norfolk Robin Weyell told the court that he had been identified at the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital (N&N) by an anatomical pathology technologist.

Norfolk Coroner's Court, at County Hall in Norwich. (Image: Newsquest)

His provisional cause of death, recorded by an N&N doctor, was given as lung cancer. He died there on February 16.

Mr Weyell has requested statements be provided to the court by Norfolk Police, HM Prison Service and the N&N.

Finally, his son confirmed to a coroner’s officer that Grimble had been born in Great Yarmouth on May 2, 1945. He had been an inmate at HMP Norwich, Knox Road.

A full inquest to determine the official cause of death will take place at the court on August 27 and is scheduled to last four two hours.

The Coroners' Courts Support Service helps bereaved families and witnesses attending Norfolk Coroner’s Court. If you are a bereaved family member or a witness please get in touch by calling 0300 111 2141 or emailing helpline@ccss.org.uk 

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