Gary Glitter faces four charges of historic sexual abuse
Former pop star Gary Glitter, real name Paul Gadd, has been charged with four historic sexual offences against a girl, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) announced. The 82-year-old, currently incarcerated at HMP Channings Wood, is accused of one count of unlawful sexual intercourse with a girl under 13 and three counts of indecent assault on a girl under 14.
Allegations dating back to 1978-1981
Bethan David, deputy chief crown prosecutor at CPS London, stated: “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. We have worked closely with the Metropolitan Police as they have carried out their investigation into the allegations.”
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that the allegations were first reported to the force on January 9 last year. Glitter was interviewed on July 22, 2025, in relation to the investigation. The offences are alleged to have taken place between 1978 and 1981 at a residential address in Kensington, London.
Victim receiving specialist support
The Met said: “The charges relate to one victim, and the offences are alleged to have taken place between the years of 1978-1981 at a residential address in Kensington.” The force added: “The victim is currently being supported by specialist officers, and they have been made aware of this update.”
Glitter is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court in central London on August 5.
Glitter's career and previous convictions
Glitter was one of the biggest stars of his time, selling 18 million records in five years in the early 1970s. He enjoyed transatlantic success with hits including Rock And Roll (Parts One And Two), I'm The Leader Of The Gang (I Am), and Do You Wanna Touch Me. However, the glam era was short-lived, and by the end of the decade, Glitter found himself bankrupt. Despite several comebacks, his final UK top 40 hit was in 1984 with Another Rock And Roll Christmas. He continued touring as a student novelty act for some years after that.
Glitter has a history of sexual offences. In 1999, he was convicted of possessing child pornography and served time. In 2006, he was convicted in Vietnam of molesting two girls aged 10 and 11 and was deported to the UK after serving his sentence. In 2015, he was convicted of attempted rape, four counts of indecent assault, and one count of having sex with a girl under 13, committed between 1975 and 1980. He was sentenced to 16 years in prison and was released on license in February 2023 but recalled to prison shortly after for alleged parole violations.
