Gary Glitter charged with historical child sexual offences

He was interviewed last summer in relation to the investigation

Convicted paedophile Gary Glitter has been charged with historical sexual offences dating back to 1978.

The Metropolitan Police said the charges against the 82-year-old former singer (real name Paul Gadd) relate to one count of unlawful sexual intercourse with a girl under the age of 13, and three counts of indecent assault on a girl under 14 (via BBC News).

Gadd is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday August 5. He was first interviewed last July in relation to the investigation, and is currently being held at HMP Channings Wood in Devon.

The alleged offences are said to have taken place at a residential address in Kensington, London, between 1978 and 1981. There is one alleged victim, who is being supported by specialist officers following this update.

Bethan David, Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor in CPS London, said of the charges: “This follows allegations made by a woman relating to a period of alleged abuse that took place between 1978 and 1981.

“Our prosecutors have worked to establish that there is sufficient evidence to bring this case to court and that it is in the public interest to do so.”

Last spring, Gadd was declared bankrupt after failing to pay more than £500,000 to a victim he was convicted of sexually abusing when she was 12 years old.

The disgraced former glam-rock artist was convicted in 2015 of abusing the woman between 1975 and 1980, as well as two other young people. In 2024, he was ordered to pay one of the victims damages of over £500,000.

Gadd was jailed for 16 years following his conviction in 2015, and released in 2023 after serving half his sentence.

However, Gadd was sent back to prison the following month after it was found he had breached his licence conditions by allegedly viewing downloaded images of children. A parole board ruled in early 2024 that he would not be released.

Richard Scorer, a lawyer who represents one of Glitter’s victims, said the Parole Board made the “right decision” because Gadd “remains a risk to children and has never shown any remorse”.

“We only hope that Glitter will now serve this full sentence – it is completely unfair that our client has to endure this Glitter parole circus over and over again,” he continued.

For more help, advice or more information regarding sexual harassment, assault and rape in the UK, visit the Rape Crisis charity website. In the US, visit RAINN.