Tag: Hampson Hughes claims

£25,0000 awarded to driver following a serious road traffic accident

Posted on October 8, 2020 by - Road Traffic Accidents, Success Stories

A driver from Watford whose injuries from a road traffic collision impacted his career progression at a warehouse, has had his case settled for £25,000.

The 40-year-old, who wishes to be known as Z.D, had been stationary in the central reservation of a dual carriageway waiting to turn right, when a car shot out of an adjacent petrol station and ploughed into his vehicle.

Suffering from shock and unaware of the severity of his injuries, Z.D walked home after his vehicle was recovered, but soon began to experience cramps on the right side of his body.

He was signed off from work for two weeks by his doctor but, on returning to his role as a packing and finishing assistant at a warehouse, he struggled to carry out his daily duties that included heavy lifting.

Having only been in his job for three months, Z.D was approaching the end of his probation period and was on course for a promotion to become a warehouse supervisor. However, when his injuries began hindering the quality of his work, Z.D was refused a permanent contract with the company.

He was also forced to give up his role as a freelance kickboxing instructor and personal trainer.

As such, Z.D suffered major financial loss and turned to credit cards and loans to help him stay up to date with his bills and living costs.

His mental health was also severely affected as he spiralled into depression.

Z.D said: “Straight after the accident, I didn’t realise I was hurt so I walked home – I was in shock and was angry at what at just had happened. It was only as I was on my way home that I started experiencing bad pain all the way down my right side.

“As soon as I was authorised to go back to work, I did so but my injuries majorly affected how much I could do and, despite being promised a promotion and a permanent role, I lost my job.

“It was an extremely tough time as I had to rely on borrowing money to stay afloat and my mental health suffered badly.”

Z.D added: “From the beginning, Hampson Hughes was incredibly helpful and supportive, explaining everything to me very clearly. The team were very professional, often bearing the brunt of my frustration at the overall situation, but they remained calm and supportive, promising to achieve a positive outcome for me.”

Z.D suffered physical injuries, including whiplash, muscular damage to the right side of his body and a shoulder injury, for 18 months following the incident and was later diagnosed with a specific phobia disorder. He underwent physiotherapy and cognitive behavioural therapy to aid his recovery.

 

His claim was settled in August 2020 for £25,000.

 

Niamh Wilson, Head of Civil Litigation at Hampson Hughes Solicitors: “The impact of this client’s accident went far beyond the scope of physical injuries – not only was his career hindered, but he also suffered major mental health issues as a result.

“This is often the case for victims of road traffic accidents as the effects of a serious incident such as this can last far longer than the physical injuries. It’s therefore important to seek legal advice from day one so that we can support you along the way and arrange private treatment that deals with both the physical and emotional impact of your accident.”

Have you been involved in a road traffic accident?

If you’ve been injured on the road due to an accident that wasn’t your fault, then you could be entitled to claim road traffic accident compensation. Whether you’ve suffered a minor injury or something more serious, our Road Traffic Accident solicitors can help you to claim the compensation that you deserve.

Find out more about road traffic accident claims, or call our team for free, no-obligation advice on 0800 888 6 888 or send an email to [email protected]

Tackling the myths surrounding workplace injury claims

Posted on September 4, 2020 by - Accidents at Work, Latest Blogs

Claiming against your employer can be a daunting prospect. As a result too many people decide not to make valid claims and suffer in silence.

 

The truth is you shouldn’t feel uncomfortable making a claim. Workplace accidents can cause serious physical and psychological injuries, as well as mounting medical costs and lost earnings. It is your right to seek financial support, compensation and ensure lessons are learnt.

 

Everyone is entitled to feel safe at work and the law is there to protect you if you’ve suffered an accident through no fault of your own. Despite this, we still come across many misconceptions about workplace claims, so we’ve collected and corrected the most common myths below:

 

MYTH #1: IT WAS JUST AN ACCIDENT. ACCIDENTS HAPPEN! – FALSE

 

Accidents don’t just happen. Research shows that over 99% of all accidents are preventable. The majority of the cases we work on are down to an employer having unsafe practices or systems in place, or failing to provide employees with the relevant protective equipment they need to perform their role safely.

 

£14,425 awarded to car workshop manager after employer refused PPE

 

It is your employers’ responsibility to do a full health and safety assessment to recognise any hazards which may cause an injury and then take steps to control and manage them in a safe manner. It’s important to remember that if you’ve suffered an accident at work you have a responsibility to highlight the issue and report to your employer as soon as reasonably practical, so your employer can ensure the necessary changes are made to stop the same accident happening again.

 

MYTH #2: AGENCY WORKERS CANNOT MAKE A CLAIM AGAINST THEIR EMPLOYERS – FALSE

 

The law ensures that all workers are treated equally. Every worker, regardless of whether they are a permanent employee or a temporary worker contracted by an agency, are protected by the same health and safety regulations from their first day of work. These employment rights extend to workplace injury claims.

 

 

MYTH #3: YOUR EMPLOYER WILL HAVE TO PAY YOUR COMPENSATION – FALSE

 

By law all employers – regardless of how small their business or how few staff they employ – need to have valid liability insurance in place to cover any claims made by employees following an accident at work. If you make a claim, employers will forward the details to their insurance company who will be responsible for dealing with it. If your claim is successful the costs will be covered by the insurance company and will not come directly out of your employers’ pocket.

 

Plant supervisor awarded £69,000 after workplace accident

 

MYTH #4: IF I MAKE A CLAIM AGAINST MY EMPLOYER I WILL LOSE MY JOB – FALSE

 

We understand many employees are worried about losing their job as a result of their claim. But remember, you are protected by law and have a legal right to claim against your employer following an accident. If your employer attempts to dismiss you as a result of a personal injury claim, then you would also be likely to be able to make a successful claim for unfair dismissal.

 

MYTH #5: LARGE COMPANIES ARE EXEMPT -FALSE

 

All companies are subject to the same health and safety regulations – even large corporate firms. There are no exceptions or legal protection for multinational corporations.

 

You should never be afraid to claim just because you feel you are taking on a large company. At Hampson Hughes, we have extensive experience claiming against big corporations. We will be there to guide you through the process every step of the way.

 

Delivery driver awarded £11,000 after he suffered a workplace accident

 

MYTH #6: YOU WILL HAVE TO GO TO COURT – FALSE

 

Fear of having to attend court is one of the biggest worries we come across from workers wanting to pursue a claim. It is important to remember, that the vast majority of cases are settled out of court – generally insurance companies prefer it if proceedings end amicably.

 

We do, however, have a small number of cases which end up in court, but even then it is still not always necessary for you to be present, as we attend on your behalf and appoint a specialist barrister to represent you and fight your case.

 

MYTH #7: YOU HAVE TO GO THROUGH THE UNION’S RECOMMENDED SOLICITOR – FALSE

 

Many people think that if they are part of a union, they will have to use the solicitor recommended to them, but this simply isn’t the case.

 

You have complete freedom of choice as to who represents you and your case, and we are completely independent and not affiliated to any union, meaning that your case will not get stalemated.

 

MYTH #8: MAKING A CLAIM WILL BE TOO EXPENSIVE – FALSE

 

We handle our cases on a no win, no fee basis, meaning you do not have to pay a penny upfront of throughout your claim (we will recover most of your legal fees from the other side but will go through your funding options available carefully to find the best one for you), and only pay legal fees if your claim is successful. Ultimately, workplace injuries can lead to mounting hidden costs – such as travel expenses to and from the hospital or GP, as well as on-going medical treatments such as physiotherapy or counselling for example. All of these costs can be reimbursed as part of your claim, without which you would be further financially impacted.

 

At Hampson Hughes, we understand an accident at work can lead to lasting implications on your health, daily life, family and finances. We have a longstanding history in civil litigation and proven track record of helping our clients secure the compensation they deserve.

 

If you have been injured at work and wish to obtain free, confidential advice, please get in touch with our expert team on  or 

£25,0000 awarded to former cyclist following life-threatening accident

Posted on September 2, 2020 by - Road Traffic Accidents, Success Stories

A former cyclist, who suffered life-threatening injuries after he was knocked off his bike, is calling for increased safety awareness as more people take to two wheels post-lockdown.

 

Pat Lee, from Liverpool is warning cyclists to be aware of the potential dangers of the road after being thrown from his bicycle when a car collided with him as he travelled home from work.

 

The 56-year-old was rushed to hospital following the incident in July 2017, being treated for a fractured skull, broken ribs and collarbone, and a dislocated shoulder, while neck injuries also meant he had to wear a collar in the months after the accident.

 

More than three years later, Pat is still “terrified” to get back on a bicycle and believes more needs to be done to educate both drivers and new cyclists on the rules of the road.

 

Factory worker Pat, who instructed Hampson Hughes Solicitors to seek compensation for his injuries, was awarded £25,000 following the accident.

 

He said: “I had been cycling home from work – taking the same route I always did – when a car ploughed into me from the left hand side as I went across a roundabout.

 

“The driver had failed to give way and drove straight into me, sending me flying up into the air. It was all very surreal – I remember a loud bang and then waking up with paramedics surrounding me. I had to undergo surgery for my injuries and was forced to take five months off work.

 

“I’ve been cycling ever since I was a child and my bike was my only mode of transport – but I’m absolutely terrified to get back on one now and haven’t done since.

 

“With us all being told to avoid public transport where possible and lots of people taking up cycling for a new way to exercise, we’re obviously seeing a lot more people on bikes on our roads. But, it worries me to think that many drivers – and indeed the cyclists themselves – are not clued up on road safety, including what is and isn’t the law.

 

“I wouldn’t wish my experience on anyone and I truly miss getting out on my bike – so I’d urge anyone considering taking it up to really do their homework and, importantly, remember that not everyone on the road will be as sensible as you are!”

 

However, Niamh Wilson, Head of Civil Litigation at Hampson Hughes Solicitors, said Pat’s case is not unusual and more education is needed among drivers and cyclists.

 

She said: “Cyclists like Pat often rely on their bicycles as their main way to get around, so when that’s taken away from them, there can be a huge impact.

 

“Pat was very lucky to fully recover from his injuries, but the fact that he is simply too fearful to cycle on the roads indicates that we all need to increase our knowledge of cyclist safety, especially as more people buy bikes to get to and from work, or to enjoy the fresh air.

 

“Novice cyclists, and even people who haven’t been on a bike for 15-20 years are getting them out again to avoid public transport and it is vitally important that they are fully aware of the rules of the road and the severity of the potential consequences if they are not followed.

 

“Our team has worked with many cyclists who have had serious accidents on the roads, often due to motorists failing to abide by road safety laws, so it is clear that more education is required.”

 

 

A total of £25,000 was secured in compensation for Pat.

 

Have you been involved in a Road Traffic Accident?

If you’ve been injured on the road due to an accident that wasn’t your fault, then you could be entitled to claim road traffic accident compensation. Whether you’ve suffered a minor injury or something more serious, our Road Traffic Accident Solicitors can help you to claim the compensation that you deserve.

 

Find out more about road traffic accident claims, or call our team for free, no-obligation advice on 0800 888 6 888 or send an email to [email protected]

£14,425 awarded to car workshop manager after employer refused PPE

Posted on September 2, 2020 by - Accidents at Work, Success Stories

Eric Whittington, from Liverpool, suffered severe injuries at work after he was refused sufficient personal protective equipment.

 

The 49-year-old had asked for PPE, such as safety boots, upon starting work as workshop manager at an independent car dealership in 2018.

 

However, he was informed that, due to the nature of his role, such equipment would not be required.

 

His employer told him that his job would be mainly desk-based and he would not be needed on the workshop floor on a regular basis

 

However, Eric later found himself on the workshop floor and slipped on some spilled liquid – he believes that the appropriate safety footwear would have prevented this fall.

 

He said: “As soon as I started the job, I asked whether PPE would be possible, but was promptly told that this wouldn’t be needed. I’d worked in similar roles in the past and it had always been a given that safety footwear would be provided.

 

“Shortly after, I slipped while walking through the garage – I put my left hand down to try to save myself and severely injured myself in the process.

 

“I carried on working that day – even after telling my manager what had happened – but the next day the pain had worsened so I visited the hospital.

 

“It was incredibly frustrating as it was an accident that so easily have been prevented if I’d been given the appropriate safety boots or non-slip shoes.”

 

Eric, who has since left his role suffered post-traumatic arthritis in his left thumb, leaving him with a permanent decrease in function.

 

He added: “I wasn’t sure whether to make a claim at first or whether it would even be possible, but the team at Hampson Hughes explained everything thoroughly and made sure I was updated every step of the way.”

 

Niamh Wilson, Head of Civil Litigation at Hampson Hughes Solicitors, which secured a total of £14,425 in compensation for Eric, said: “Cases regarding PPE are, unfortunately, not rare and we regularly see clients come to us with similar experiences.

 

“The major concern here is that the employer in question deemed it unnecessary for Eric to be equipped with the appropriate footwear and made an assumption about his role. It’s therefore particularly poignant in the current climate that companies do not allow the safety of their staff to be compromised in line with budget constraints.

 

“Many businesses will be facing challenging times as we move through a post-Covid period, but health and safety is more important than ever before, and we’d therefore urge employers to take stock and review what they have in place for staff members.”

 

 

A total of £14,425 was secured in compensation for Eric.

 

Accident at Work

If you have suffered an injury at work you could be entitled to personal injury compensation, take a look at our Accidents at Work page for more information.

Remember, we offer you a FREE no-obligation consultation – discover today whether you have a claim. Speak to one of our professional and friendly advisers today on 0800 888 6 888 or email .

E-scooters: are they safe enough for our roads?

Posted on August 24, 2020 by - Latest Blogs, Road Traffic Accidents

They’ve been hailed by some as the answer to both the climate change issue and the spread of Coronavirus, but are we really ready for electric scooters and, importantly, are they safe?

The UK’s first-ever pilot scheme of e-scooters was launched last month in Middlesborough, with hopes of getting people off buses as we battle the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and climate change.

 

SO, WHAT’S THE PROBLEM WITH E-SCOOTERS?

The vehicles, which can reach speeds of 12mph, were given the go-ahead by the Government in July, but a second trial period in Hartlepool was abandoned following the mis-use of 50 e-scooters in Middlesborough.

Incidents included teenagers riding them on busy, 70mph roads and underage users zooming through shopping malls, putting pedestrians at risk.

It had originally been the plan to start with 50 vehicles in Middlesborough and Hartlepool, before increasing this number to 1,000 across the wider area, according to The Independent. However, the vehicles have since been labelled by a local MP as “useful as chocolate fireguard”.

And, recent mis-use could also have a knock-on effect to insurance premiums for drivers, with claims set to soar to between £200 million and £2 billion a year, according to the Motor Insurer’s Bureau.

In the UK, the insurance industry pays for all incidents involving uninsured vehicles, not just cars. It means they are also liable for collisions involving golf buggies, ride-on lawn mowers, quad bikes and e-scooters.

As such, motorists could expect to be paying up to £50 more for their annual insurance policy.

 

WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE BEFORE E-SCOOTERS ARE ROLLED OUT?

With e-scooters being a very new way to travel and still in trial periods, we need to consider the impact they’ll have on both motorists and pedestrians, as well as those riding the scooters.

Our head of civil litigation, Niamh Wilson, said: “Before e-scooters are rolled out any further, we need more clarity on the rules of their usage. While we need to consider the safety of those using e-scooters, as well as pedestrians, we also need to think about the impact they could have on motorists’ safety.

“While they’re not meant to be driven any faster than, say, 12mph, there are clear examples of people flouting this rule and putting themselves and others at risk of injury.

“Questions around whether e-scooter users have to obey the Highway Code need to be addressed and communicated properly to all road users, with strict measures in place to ensure people adhere to the rules.

“Of course, there are many benefits to using e-scooters and we’d welcome their correct usage, but we certainly need clearer messages.”

 

If you’d like to know more about claiming for a road traffic accident, get in touch with our experts or call us on 0800 880 7862.

How Safe Are You at a Funfair or UK Attraction?

Posted on November 23, 2017 by - Children's Accidents, Serious Injury

Accident at funfair

With the holiday season just around the corner, hundreds of people are flocking to the many Christmas pop-ups around the country for a frosty evening of festive food, mulled wine and funfair rides.

Unfortunately, pop-up fairs can also come with their risks. The awful incident at Alton Towers, which left a number of young people with serious injuries as a result of a carriage collision, highlights just how dangerous even static theme parks can be. Due to their nature, pop-up fairgrounds and attractions are often built, organised, managed and run by a range of different people and companies, so it is important to be extra vigilant when it comes to health and safety.

What funfair safety measures should I look out for?

To make sure you and your family stay safe and have a great time at your local Christmas pop-up, here are some things to keep in mind:

  • Be aware that height and weight restrictions may change from ride to ride. These are put in place because the machine has been designed to hold people of a certain size, and if someone is too big or too small, they may run the risk of falling out of the ride which can result in serious injuries. So, if you’re unsure as to whether you, or anyone in your party, is at risk on a certain ride, be sure to speak to the attendant in charge.
  • Keep an eye out for any safety warnings. Fences and restricted zones are there to keep you away from any unsafe areas or the dangers of fast moving machinery.
  • The owners of fairgrounds have a legal responsibility to ensure that their rides are maintained to a safe standard, as well as to carry out risk assessments to ensure that the ride is safe for both members of the public and their employees to work on. Take a look at the machines before you ride; do they look solid and well presented? A well-maintained machine is more likely to look in good condition from the outside too.
  • Ensure that the attendants are checking that all restraints are fastened, as well as keeping an eye on the machine while it is running.
  • Remind any children that you’re with that they the need to sit still when the ride is in motion. Standing up or turning around can be dangerous, and it’s important to remain in the seat and wear a seatbelt if the ride is fitted with them.

Fairground and funfair accident compensation claims

Unfortunately, however vigilant you might be, accidents can happen. If you have been injured in an accident at a funfair or fairground that wasn’t your fault, you may be entitled to compensation.

At Hampson Hughes Solicitors, our friendly team of expert lawyers will walk you through the process step by step to help ensure that you receive the maximum amount of compensation possible for the injury you, or your loved one, has suffered.

For free, confidential and no obligation advice about serious injury claims, call us today on 0151 236 1222 or visit our site for more information.

Road Traffic Accidents Caused by Drivers Using a Phone behind the Wheel

Posted on November 14, 2017 by - Road Traffic Accidents

Traffic accident attorney

Drivers caught using a mobile phone while behind the wheel in the UK, risk losing their licence. The number of drivers who have been caught responding to a text message, answering a call or using an app or navigation feature on their mobile phone while driving a vehicle in the UK is astounding, especially when you consider the risk they are taking.

We all laugh at viral videos showing people walking into lampposts whilst looking down and using their mobile phone, but the danger of distraction could easily lead to a serious accident on the road. If you can’t walk and use your mobile phone, what makes you think that you can drive and text?

Accidents can happen in the blink of an eye and if you don’t focus 100% on the road ahead, you are putting yourself, your passengers and other road users at serious risk.

In 2015, 22 people were killed and 99 seriously injured in accidents involving a driver who has been using a phone at the wheel. (1) Yet a recent survey revealed that many drivers admit to performing distracting tasks while behind the wheel, including using their mobile phone. (2) The penalty for using a phone while at the wheel was doubled this year (2017) in a bid to deter drivers from the temptation to drive and text.

New drivers will now receive six points on their licence if they’re caught using their phone while driving, and also be required to retake their practical and theory test. More experienced drivers risk being banned.

Despite the change to the law, in the four weeks after the penalties were increased, police recorded a total of 5,977 instances of drivers using their phone behind the wheel. (3) However, not all road traffic accidents are thoroughly investigated to determine whether the use of a hand held device or phone was a direct cause of an accident. Only cases involving fatalities or life changing injuries are investigated for distraction via mobile phone.

In July, police released a video of a fatal crash involving a lorry driver who was video-recorded, via a dash cam, changing music on his mobile phone before hitting and killing one adult and three children, who were in a vehicle in front, which had stopped in traffic.

The shocking footage reveals the true devastation that can be caused by using a mobile phone while in control of a vehicle. To watch the video, visit The Independent.  The police urge drivers to put their phones in the glove compartment so that they won’t be tempted to use it while in traffic, at traffic lights or any other time while behind the wheel of a vehicle.

Road traffic accidents involving a driver who has been texting or using their phone behind the wheel, can leave victims with serious and life changing injuries.

Our team of specialist road traffic accident solicitors are always on hand to offer legal advice and support to those affected by a road traffic accident that wasn’t their fault. For more information please feel free to contact us now on 0800 888 6888 or email .

Sources:

  1. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-39118523
  2. http://www.brake.org.uk/rsw/15-facts-a-resources/facts/1131-distractionfacts
  3. https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/may/29/200-drivers-a-day-caught-using-phones-on-uk-roads-after-crackdown

Cancer Late Diagnosis and Compensation

Posted on November 10, 2017 by - Latest Blogs, Medical Negligence

Cancer Late Diagnosis and Compensation

Every two minutes someone in the UK is diagnosed with cancer. (1) Whether its breast, prostate, lung, skin or bowel cancer, the diagnosis is usually the first step to preparing your mind and body to fight the disease. For patients who have received a late cancer diagnosis, the chances of survival are often significantly lower than those who detect the disease early.

The standard wait to diagnose cancer is two weeks in the UK, but for some patients, cancer is not easily identifiable and symptoms can sometimes be mistaken for other medical conditions. When a late diagnosis for cancer does occur, it is a failure on behalf of medical professionals. Their failure to diagnose cancer at an early stage or when a patient first brought concerns of symptoms to a GP or medical professional can mean that a patient can no longer be treated and the cancer may have spread to vital organs, which could result in a low life expectancy. Even if in a particular case, cancer can be treated and the patient has a good chance of survival, it is still a failure to diagnose cancer when first investigated and those responsible should be held accountable.

An article published in 2017 by The Guardian highlighted the issue further. According to the report, a study has shown that 71% of all patients diagnosed in accident and emergency departments with a form of cancer, had seen their GP at least once with symptoms. Of the group surveyed, those who sought medical help from their GP previously, 41% had visited their GP three or more times. The study which was published in the British Journal of General Practice, found that people diagnosed with cancer as an emergency have a worse prognosis than those diagnosed at an earlier stage.  Health Secretary, Jeremy Hunt is said to be so concerned of late cancer diagnosis that he is developing a plan to name and shame GP surgeries who fail to spot symptoms.  (2) According to the publication, diagnosis of cancer as an emergency, has been considered to represent a failure of primary care. (3)

Compensation for a patient who has been let down by the NHS or the private healthcare sector, can never make up for the medical implications that this can have on them, and their family. Additional pain and suffering that has been caused, when cancer is allowed to go untreated or the loss of precious time with loved ones, is unforgivable. Compensation could help patients become more comfortable and have financial support during the recovery process.

Compensation for families left behind after a cancer patient has passed on after a late diagnosis should help to ease any financial strain that may be present after a relative has died. Compensation could help towards funeral arrangements as well as provide support during this sad time.

If you or a loved one has received a late cancer diagnosis whether the disease can be treated or not, please contact our medical negligence team today to see if you are eligible to claim compensation. Our friendly team are always on hand to offer support and legal advice. Call us today on 0151 236 1222 or email .

Sources

  1. http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/health-professional/cancer-statistics-for-the-uk#heading-Four
  2. https://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/sep/22/cancer-late-diagnosis-half-patients
  3. http://bjgp.org/content/67/659/e377/tab-figures-data

Woman Charged after Toddler Dies in Dog Attack

Posted on March 7, 2017 by - Dog Bite

A 29 year old woman has been charged over the death of a toddler, who was killed when he was attacked by a dog in Essex last year.

Dog attack

Three year old Dexter Neal died after he was attacked and bitten by an American Bulldog at Jade Dunne’s home in Essex in August 2016.

The dog was seized by officers at the time and later destroyed.

Charges

Essex police have confirmed that Miss Dunne has been charged with ‘owning a dog dangerously out of control’ that resulted in the death of Dexter.

Miss Dunne, of Parker Way, Halstead, Essex, has been released on bail and is due to appear at Colchester Magistrates’ Court later this month.

Dexter’s uncle Ashley Coe wrote on Facebook in the aftermath of the attack last year:

“I can’t even begin to describe what state we are all in this is an absolutely devastating loss for my sister and her husband and there’s nothing I can say to them.”

Dog attack claims – expert advice

If you have been attacked by a dog, even where the dog did not cause physical harm, you may be entitled to compensation. More information can be found via our ‘Dog Attack Claims’ page.

Whatever your experience involving a dangerous dog attack, speak to our expert team of personal injury solicitors today& find out how we could help you. Call 0800 888 6 888 or email .

Source: BT.com

Greggs Heir Convicted of Child Sexual Abuse

Posted on March 3, 2017 by - 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.”

Sexual abuse claims – expert advice

If you have been affected by any instance of physical sexual abuse or non-physical sexual abuse, contact us today. We offer expert advice on sexual abuse and assault claims, and we guarantee your confidentiality at all times.

For further information, and to discover how we could help you, begin a conversation with our experienced and friendly team. Call 0800 888 6 888 or email .

Source: BBC News