Greggs founder’s son jailed for sex abuse
THE son of the founder of the Greggs bakers chain has been jailed for 13 and a half years after being branded a “sophisticated, predatory paedophile” by a judge.
Colin Gregg, 75, was sentenced at Newcastle Crown Court, having been convicted of nine counts of indecent assault on four boys over a period of decades.
Gregg, who helped build up the family business and also worked as a social worker, abused his positions of trust as a teacher and headteacher to sexually abuse boys, Judge Robin Mairs said.
Gregg had denied all the charges, claiming he was the victim of a “witch hunt” and that the complainants were looking for compensation.
Gregg grew wealthy from the family business and helped raise thousands of pounds for children’s charities, the court heard.
The judge said: “You were a charismatic, inspiring teacher and mentor, but you used those attributes to groom boys and to protect yourself from allegations.”
Gregg’s defence was that the complainants were fantasists and liars, but the judge said the members of the jury had listened to their evidence and concluded that it was the defendant who was lying.
Gregg, of Homefarm Steading, Gosforth, Newcastle, abused one victim in a swimming pool, while the others were molested in a gym, his study or a car.