CPS News Brief

Former teacher and charity worker guilty of sex offences

A former teacher and charity worker has been found guilty of a string of sex offences spanning almost 30 years. 

Colin Gregg, 75, was found guilty after trial of nine counts of indecent assault. The charges relate to offences against four separate victims, spanning around three decades from the 1960s through to the 1990s. Each of the complainants in the case was under 15 years of age at the time the offences took place.  

John Dilworth of the CPS said: 

“Throughout his life Colin Gregg has been considered to be a successful businessman, respected teacher and committed charity worker. As a result he won the gratitude of the community but, beneath his respectable veneer, Colin Gregg was sexually abusing young boys.

“Gregg exploited his position in society to abuse young boys, for his own sexual gratification. Working closely with investigating police we have been able to demonstrate a distinct pattern to Gregg’s offending and a propensity on his part to commit such acts. 

“I would like to praise the bravery of the victims in this case. It is thanks largely to their evidence that the jury has today found Colin Gregg guilty.”

Notes to Editors

• John Dilworth is Acting Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS North East
• Gregg is son of the founder of Greggs bakery
• Colin Gregg will be sentenced at Newcastle Crown Court on March 30

Sex offender sentenced to 27 years' imprisonment

A sex offender who carried out attacks on a total of four women and girls over a period of more than thirty years has been sentenced to 27 years’ imprisonment today. 

Michael Dunn, 57, from Redcar, was sentenced at Teesside Crown Court after being found guilty of 10 counts of rape, three of false imprisonment and three of indecent assault.

During his trial, the court heard how Dunn built a cavity behind his fridge to hide one young girl, who had run away from home. 

Gale Gilchrist, from the CPS said:

“Michael Dunn is a very dangerous sexual predator. 

“He was a violent and controlling man towards each of his victims, using them for sex whenever he wanted to and physically attacking them when they would not comply. 

“This has been an incredibly complex case and I am indebted to the significant work conducted by police during the investigation. Through their diligence and also the bravery of Michael Dunn’s victims, our prosecutors have been able to build a robust case resulting in today’s significant sentence. 

“One cannot imagine the horrors endured by Michael Dunn’s victims, but I sincerely hope that this outcome brings a measure of comfort to each of them.”

Notes to Editors

• Gale Gilchrist is acting Head of the Crown Court Unit for CPS North East

Double-murderer jailed for city centre stabbings

A murderer who stabbed his ex-girlfriend and her new partner to death in a ‘brutal’ city centre attack has today (Tue 28 Feb) been jailed for a minimum of 23 years.

Andrew Saunders, 20, waited outside the Matalan store in Queen Street, Cardiff, before murdering Zoe Morgan, 21, and Lee Simmons, 33, in September 2016.

Kelly Huggins, from the CPS, said:

“This was a brutal, unprovoked and premeditated attack.

“Saunders attended the location well before Zoe Morgan and Lee Simmons arrived for work that day and ambushed them. As he brutally attacked them he also showed no concern for members of the public who were subjected to a frightening scene of violence.

“Faced with the evidence put forward by the prosecution, Saunders pleaded guilty to both murders.

“Our thoughts are with the families of Zoe and Lee.”

Saunders pleaded guilty to two counts of murder at Cardiff Crown Court in December 2016 and was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 23 years at the same court today.

Notes to Editors

• Kelly Huggins is a Senior Crown Prosecutor with CPS Wales-Cymru

CPS to charge prison officer with gross negligence manslaughter and misconduct in public office

A prison officer is to be charged with gross negligence manslaughter and misconduct in public office in relation to the death of an inmate at HMP Woodhill. 

A CPS spokesperson said:

“Following careful consideration of all the evidence provided to us by the police it has been decided that Joseph Travers should be charged with manslaughter and misconduct in public office in relation to the death of an HMP Woodhill inmate on 8 May 2015.

“Joseph Travers will next appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on 20 April.

“May I remind all concerned that criminal proceedings against Joseph Travers have now commenced and of his right to a fair trial. It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”

Ends