Former pop star Gary Glitter has appeared in court charged with sexual offences against a girl aged between eight and 11 in the late 1970s.
Glitter, 82, whose real name is Paul Gadd, appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday via videolink. He is charged with unlawful sexual intercourse with a girl under 13 and three counts of indecent assault on a girl under 14, allegedly occurring between 1978 and 1981.
Allegations and court proceedings
Prosecutor Jonathan Polnay KC said the alleged offences took place between 1978 and 1981, when the complainant, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, was aged eight to 11. The incidents allegedly occurred at Glitter’s home in Kensington and Chelsea, west London.
Prosecutors allege Glitter would give the girl chocolate and “invite her into his house where he then committed a number of serious sexual offences”.
During the hearing, Glitter, wearing a blue shirt, glasses and a cap, struggled to hear the proceedings. He told the court: “Your honour, excuse me, I’m extremely deaf and unless I’m lip-reading I can’t hear. My name is Paul Gadd.” He added: “Sorry, your honour, may I make a suggestion? If the barrister turns the volume down a little bit, it wouldn’t be so distorting in my hearing aids.”
Remanded in custody
Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring remanded Glitter into custody. He will next appear at the Old Bailey on September 2, with the judge noting it was “to be determined” whether this would be via videolink or in person.
The judge told Glitter: “You face charges that include an offence which is indictable only, which means only the crown court can deal with it. The other three charges are related because it’s the same complainant. In that circumstance, all four charges are sent to crown court, the Central Criminal Court, known as the Old Bailey, where you will appear on September 2.”
The Metropolitan Police previously said the allegations were first reported to the force on January 9 last year, and Glitter was interviewed on July 22 2025 in relation to the investigation.
Career background
Glitter was one of the biggest stars of his time, 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.
The glam era was short, and despite a series of comebacks, his final UK top 40 hit was in 1984 with Another Rock And Roll Christmas.
