Gary Glitter, the former singer whose real name is Paul Gadd, appeared in court on Wednesday afternoon charged with four historical sex offences dating back to 1978. He denied the charges at Westminster Magistrates' Court and was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing on 2 September at the Old Bailey in London.
The charges include one count of unlawful sexual intercourse with a girl under the age of 13 and three counts of indecent assault on a girl under the age of 14. Prosecutors said there is one alleged victim and that the offences are said to have taken place between 1978 and 1981 at a residential address in Kensington.
Dressed in a blue shirt and wearing sunglasses, Glitter appeared by video link from His Majesty's Prison Channings Wood for the 11-minute hearing. Speaking under his real name, Gadd was told of the charges against him and spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth.
Jonathan Polnay KC, the prosecutor, told the court that Gadd said he did not know the complainant and that the allegations against him were false. He also said the offences involved one person and are said to have taken place between 1978 and 1981, when the complainant was eight to 11 years old.
What did prosecutors say about the allegations?
Prosecutors said the complainant lived near where Glitter lived and that was how he came to know her. They said she alleges he gave her chocolate and invited her into his house, where the offences are said to have occurred.
The allegations were first reported to the Metropolitan Police on 9 January 2025, and an investigation into the circumstances was launched. Gadd was first interviewed on 22 July last year in relation to the investigation.
Who is Gary Glitter?
The 82-year-old, who was one of the biggest pop stars of the 1970s with a string of number one hits, is currently being held in HMP Channings Wood in Devon. The Met said in July that the alleged victim was being supported by specialist officers and had been made aware that Glitter had been charged.
What happens next?
Gadd is due to appear at the Old Bailey on 2 September, either by video link or in person.
Key Facts
- Gary Glitter's real name is Paul Gadd.
- He has been charged with four historical sex offences dating back to 1978.
- The alleged offences involve one complainant and are said to have taken place in Kensington between 1978 and 1981.
- He denied the charges at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Wednesday afternoon.
- He is being held in HMP Channings Wood in Devon.
