Gregg set to launch an appeal against his abuse convictions

Colin Gregg outside court DISGRACED headteacher Colin Gregg has launched an appeal against his conviction and sentence for child sex charges, we can reveal.

The millionaire son of the Gregg’s bakery founder was found guilty of nine counts of indecently assaulting four victims.

A court heard how the 75-year-old charity boss molested the boys, who were aged between 11 and 14, from the early 1960s until the 1990s.

The abuse was carried out in a swimming pool, in a car and at his home gym.

Branding him a “sophisticated, predatory paedophile” Judge Robin Mairs jailed Gregg for 13-and-a-half years at Newcastle Crown Court.

Now, it is understood that Gregg has lodged an appeal against both his conviction and sentence.

Northumbria Police has urged any other victims of Gregg to come forward.

DS Chris Wilson, who led the investigation, said: “The victims in this case showed immense bravery to come forward and stand up in court to give the evidence that ultimately put their abuser through court.

“It was a terrifying ordeal for them but their actions have helped convict a predatory paedophile and I am sure that convictions such as this will help encourage other victims of sexual abuse to come forward.

“We have not received any evidence since the conviction that there are any further victims of Colin Greggs who have not yet reported abuse to us.

“However, if there are victims out there then we will listen to them and we will believe them regardless of whether the abuse is recent or of a historical nature.

“These sorts of offences are not, and nor have they ever been, acceptable behaviour and national media stories over the last few years should provide reassurance of that to any victims out there.

“Safeguarding vulnerable victims of crime is our absolute priority and if there are other victims out there then we would encourage them to come forward. We will believe you.”

Gregg helped set up the family business and also worked as a charity fundraiser, a social worker and as a headteacher at a prestigious North East school.

Gregg, of Homefarm Steading, in Gosforth, Newcastle, claimed he was the victim of a police witch-hut and alleged the complainants were looking for compensation.

But last month a jury at Leeds Crown Court found him guilty of sexually abusing young boys.

As well as 13-and-ahalf years in prison, Gregg has been banned from working with children and was ordered to sign the Sex Offenders’ Register for life.