Greggs Heir Convicted of Child Sexual Abuse

Colin Gregg, the heir to the Greggs bakery chain, has been convicted of historic child sexual abuse.

Denial

The 75 year old from Gosforth, Newcastle, originally denied sexually abusing four boys over a 30 year period, beginning in 1963.

Following a month long trial at Leeds Crown Court, a jury found Gregg guilty of nine counts of indecent assault on boys aged 10 to 14.

The trial in Leeds was a retrial, after a jury in Newcastle last month failed to reach a verdict.

The court heard how the sexual abuse of one of the boys took place in a swimming pool, while others were abused at a gym in Gregg’s home.

Gregg, who was released on bail, will be sentenced on 30 March.

Prison sentence ‘inevitable’

Judge Robin Mairs told the paedophile that the fact he was granting bail was no indication of sentence and that a prison sentence is inevitable. He said:

“These are serious matters and a custodial sentence is inevitable.”

Northumbria Police added that Gregg was “in a position of trust which he used to sexually exploit children”.

A spokesperson for children’s charity the NSPCC said:

“Gregg shamelessly betrayed the trust vulnerable young children placed in him and his sickening campaign of abuse will have had life-long effects on his victims.

“It is thanks to their bravery in speaking out that he’s finally been brought to justice.

“Gregg probably thought he got away with these crimes but this case is proof that victims of abuse will be listened to, no matter how much time has passed.”

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Source: BBC News