Son of Greggs founder jailed

Colin Gregg, the son of the founder of the Greggs bakers chain, has been jailed at Newcastle Crown Court for 13 and a half years for indecently assaulting four boys.

The 75 year old was previously found guilty of nine counts of indecent assault against four boys aged between 11 and 14 over three decades.

Colin Gregg from Gosforth, was found guilty earlier this month at Leeds Crown Court for committing the assaults between the 1960s and the 1990s.

He was jailed for 13-and-a-half years at Newcastle Crown Court on Thursday.

When passing sentence Judge Robin Mairs said "There is not a shred of remorse within you for your offending."

"The damage you caused to children will last and has lasted longer than any sentence I can lawfully impose on you".

As well as his prison sentence, Gregg has been barred from working with children and will be on the sex offenders’ register for life.

Detective Sergeant Chris Wilson said:

"We welcome the sentencing of the court today and hope this allows these victims to move on with their lives.

"Colin Gregg was in a position of trust which he used to sexually exploit children. This will have undoubtedly had a huge impact on the lives of these victims and their families. We hope today's outcome gives them a sense of justice and some closure.

"There has been a significant national increase in reporting of sexual abuse partly due to the Savile investigation and also that the public have more confidence to report abuse to the police.

"And this case absolutely demonstrates it is never too late to report abuse. If you have been a victim of sexual abuse, Northumbria Police encourages you to report - we will believe you. You will be treated with dignity and sensitivity by our dedicated and specially trained officers. We will ensure you are fully supported.

"We understand some people may have concerns about coming forward to report abuse to the police, if they do not feel comfortable in doing this we would encourage them to use some of the independent agencies available."

An NSPCC spokesman said:

“This case gives hope to survivors of child abuse that they will be listened to if they speak out – no matter how much time has passed.

“Gregg’s victims have shown incredible bravery in reliving their ordeals and it’s these actions that have helped bring their attacker to justice.

“During a sickening campaign of abuse, Gregg brazenly exploited positions of absolute trust for his own twisted gratification.

“We hope today’s sentence provides some level of comfort to those whose lives have been so badly affected.

“Any adults with concerns about a child can contact the NSPCC helpline on 0808 8005000, children can contact Childline on 0800 1111.”