Former pop star Gary Glitter, whose real name is Paul Gadd, has appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court facing charges of historical sexual offences against a young girl. The 82-year-old singer appeared via video link from His Majesty’s Prison Channings Wood in Devon during an 11-minute hearing.
Details of the Allegations
Gadd is charged with one count of unlawful sexual intercourse with a girl under 13 and three counts of indecent assault on a girl under 14. According to prosecutor Jonathan Polnay KC, the offences are alleged to have occurred between 1978 and 1981 at Glitter’s home in Kensington and Chelsea, west London. At the time of the alleged abuse, the complainant was between eight and 11 years old.
Prosecutors allege that Glitter gave the girl chocolate and invited her into his house, where he committed a number of serious sexual offences. The complainant cannot be identified for legal reasons. The Metropolitan Police stated that the allegations were first reported to the force on 9 January 2025, leading to an investigation. Gadd was first interviewed regarding the matter on 22 July 2025.
Court Proceedings and Defense
During the hearing, Gadd wore a blue shirt, glasses, and a cap. He spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth, though he did request that the barrister lower the volume of the audio to prevent distortion in his hearing aids, stating, Your honour, excuse me, I’m extremely deaf and unless I’m lip-reading I can’t hear
.
Jonathan Polnay KC informed the court that during a police interview, Gadd stated he did not know the complainant and claimed that the allegations against him were false. Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring remanded Glitter into custody. Because the charges include an offence that is indictable only, the case has been sent to the Central Criminal Court, known as the Old Bailey. Glitter is scheduled to appear there on 2 September, though it is not yet determined if that appearance will be in person or via video link.
Criminal History and Previous Convictions
The current charges follow a long history of sexual offences. Gadd was first jailed in 1999 for possession of child pornography. He later relocated to Cambodia but was deported in 2002 due to suspected sex offences. In 2006, a Vietnamese court convicted him of obscene acts with two girls aged 10 and 11, sentencing him to four years in prison.
Following his return to Britain, Gadd was arrested in 2012 as part of Operation Yewtree. In 2015, he was convicted of attempted rape, unlawful sexual intercourse with a girl under 13, and four counts of indecent assault, resulting in a 16-year prison sentence. While he was released on licence in February 2023, he was recalled to prison in March 2023 for breaching those conditions. A parole bid in 2025 was denied.
Musical Career
Before his legal issues, Gadd—who performed as Paul Raven until the 1960s—was one of the most successful pop stars of the 1970s. He sold between 18 million and 20 million records and spent 180 weeks in the UK Singles Chart. His career included several number one hits, such as:
- “Rock And Roll (Parts One And Two)”
- “I’m The Leader Of The Gang (I Am)”
- “Do You Wanna Touch Me”
- “I Love You Love Me Love”
His final UK top 40 hit was Another Rock And Roll Christmas
in 1984.
Worth a look