Abstract
This is an accepted article with a DOI pre-assigned that is not yet published.
This case study examines Delroy Grant’s long-running series of sexual offences through an integrated behavioural-science lens, demonstrating how multiple psychological and investigative frameworks illuminate the structure of his offending. Drawing on rational choice and routine activities theories, the analysis highlights how Grant’s victim selection, nocturnal offending, and forensic awareness reflected calculated decision-making shaped by opportunity and perceived low risk. Behavioural consistency models and offender typologies further contextualise his stable modus operandi, revealing patterns of power-assertive motivation and organised offending across nearly two decades. Geographical profiling principles, including distance-decay and environmental range, explain the spatial clustering of his crimes in South London and Kent, highlighting how familiarity and routine movement shaped his operational zone. Crime Script Theory provides a sequential understanding of his preparation, execution, and exit behaviours, illustrating how his offending followed a refined, repeatable script centred on domination and control. Across these frameworks, the case demonstrates the value of integrating cognitive, behavioural, and spatial perspectives to understand serial offending and support investigative practice. At the same time, it highlights limitations arising from data gaps, overreliance on profiling assumptions, and failures in early crime linkage. The analysis underscores the need for evidence-based, multimethod approaches in policing complex serial sexual crimes.
Keywords:
- Keyword: Delroy Grant
- Keyword: Serial sexual offending
- Keyword: Offender decision-making
- Keyword: Behavioural profiling
- Keyword: Geographical profiling
- Keyword: Crime script theory