Former pop star Gary Glitter has been charged with four sexual offences against a girl dating back to 1978, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) confirmed on 2 July 2026. The charges include offences related to sexual abuse, as detailed by prosecutors.
Details of the Charges
The CPS authorised the charges following a review of evidence gathered by police. Glitter, whose real name is Paul Gadd, is accused of committing the offences against a single female victim in 1978. The specific nature of the four counts has not been publicly disclosed, but they are classified as sexual offences under UK law.
The 81-year-old former singer is expected to appear in court at a later date. The CPS stated that proceedings are active and that Glitter has the right to a fair trial.
Background of Gary Glitter
Gary Glitter rose to fame in the 1970s with hits such as “Rock and Roll Part 2” and “Do You Wanna Touch Me”. He has a history of sexual offence convictions. In 2015, he was convicted of attempted rape, four counts of indecent assault, and one count of having sex with a girl under 13, for which he served 16 years in prison. He was released on licence in February 2023 but was recalled to prison in March 2023 for allegedly breaching his licence conditions.
According to the CPS, this new case involves allegations that predate his previous convictions. The victim is said to have come forward after Glitter’s earlier legal troubles.
Legal Proceedings and Next Steps
Glitter has been charged and is currently in custody. The case will proceed through the magistrates’ court before potentially moving to the Crown Court. The CPS reminded the public that criminal proceedings are ongoing and that the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
A CPS spokesperson said: “We have authorised charges against Paul Gadd, also known as Gary Glitter, for four sexual offences against a girl alleged to have taken place in 1978. The charges follow a review of evidence by the CPS. The defendant is entitled to a fair trial and it is important that there is no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could prejudice these proceedings.”
Police have not released further details to protect the victim’s identity.
Impact and Public Reaction
The news has reignited public discussion about historical sexual abuse cases and the justice system’s handling of allegations against high-profile figures. Victim support groups have urged the public to respect the legal process and avoid speculation.
The Mirror has contacted Glitter’s legal representatives for comment but has not yet received a response. This is a developing story and further updates will be provided as information becomes available.
