Gary Glitter, the disgraced former pop star, has been referred back to the Parole Board in what may be his final bid for freedom. The 81-year-old paedophile, whose real name is Paul Gadd, could be released back into the community within months if his hearing is successful.
Previous Rejection and New Review
Glitter's release was rejected two years ago when he finally admitted he poses a danger to young girls and agreed he should remain in jail. The Parole Board announced on Monday that he has been referred for a new review. This means a panel of experts will examine his case and decide whether to direct release or hold a full hearing.
In February, it was reported that Glitter had started enrolling in a prison sex therapy course, which could pave the way for his freedom.
Summary of Previous Decision
A summary of the Parole Board's decision two years ago stated: "In the panel's assessment, Mr Gadd continues to display an uncontrolled interest in prepubescent children. It noted that he had accepted that he should not be released at this time and would need to engage with offence-focused work in prison." The panel concluded that release would not be safe for the protection of the public.
Background of Crimes and Imprisonment
Glitter was jailed in 2015 for sexually abusing three schoolgirls and was released in 2023 after serving half of his 16-year sentence. However, within weeks, he was recalled to The Verne prison in Dorset, a sex offender unit, for breaching his licensing conditions by allegedly downloading images of children online. If not released, he faces the prospect of serving his full sentence until 2031, when he will be 87 years old.
Psychological Assessment
A psychological assessment two years ago found that the former glam rocker "continued to evidence a sexual interest in young females and held attitudes that supported the sexual abuse of children." The report recommended that he engage with accredited programmes in custody designed to address sexual offending. The panel noted no support for release in the reports but was legally obliged to consider the case.
The Parole Board summary warned of risk factors that make it more likely the pervert would reoffend, including his sexual interest in female children, attitudes supportive of child abuse, lack of empathy for victims, and use of the internet to pursue a sexual interest in children. The report revealed that Glitter had refused to take part in prison group work because he feared information would be leaked to the media, which he blames for his downfall rather than his history of sick crimes.
Financial and Legal Issues
Glitter was declared bankrupt in March after refusing to pay £508,000 in damages awarded by the High Court last year to a woman he raped when she was 12. His debt to the victim has increased by £110,000, and there are allegations that he is hiding a fortune while paying his son £138,000.
