Gary Glitter charged with historic sex offences dating back nearly 50 years

Former pop star Gary Glitter has been charged with four historic sexual offences against a girl, the Crown Prosecution Service announced. The 82-year-old, whose real name is Paul 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.

The charges relate to alleged offences that took place between 1978 and 1981 at a residential address in Kensington. Bethan David, deputy chief crown prosecutor at CPS London, said: "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."

The Metropolitan Police said 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. He will appear at Westminster Magistrates Court in central London on August 5. Glitter is currently held at HMP Channings Wood.

The victim is currently being supported by specialist officers and has been made aware of this update, the force said. A CPS spokesperson added: "The Crown Prosecution Service reminds everyone that proceedings are now active and the defendant has the right to a fair trial. It is vital that there should be no reporting commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings."

Glitter was one of the biggest stars of his era, selling 18 million records in five years in the early 1970s and enjoying 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, and he became bankrupt by the end of the decade. His final UK top 40 hit came in 1984 with Another Rock And Roll Christmas, though he continued touring afterwards.