Gary Glitter pleads not guilty to historical sex abuse charges
Gary Glitter pleaded not guilty on Wednesday at Southwark Crown Court to eight historical sexual abuse charges against a girl who was aged between eight and 11 when the alleged offences took place. The 82-year-old former pop star, whose real name is Paul Gadd, entered his pleas via video-link from prison as a three-week trial was scheduled for November 2027.
Key Takeaways
- Paul Gadd denied eight charges relating to one victim between March 1978 and December 1981.
- Charges include indecent assault, indecency with a child, and sexual intercourse with a girl under 13.
- Judge Tony Baumgartner set a three-week trial to begin on 22 November 2027.
- Gadd appeared via video-link from HMP Channing Wood at Southwark Crown Court.
- The Metropolitan Police said allegations were first reported in January 2025 and the victim is receiving specialist support.
What charges does Gary Glitter face?
Gadd faces four counts of indecent assault with a girl under the age of 13, two counts of sexual intercourse with a girl under the age of 13, and two counts of indecency with a child under the age of 13. All eight charges relate to the same individual.
The alleged offences are said to have taken place between 12 March 1978 and 31 December 1981. Prosecutors allege Gadd gave the girl chocolate, invited her to his home in Kensington and Chelsea in west London, caused her to touch his genitals, and engaged in unlawful sexual intercourse with her.
How did Gary Glitter plead in court?
At Southwark Crown Court on Wednesday, Gadd appeared via video-link from prison to enter his pleas. He was wearing blue headwear, a blue shirt and a navy jacket, and sat next to a member of his legal team during the hearing.
Gadd spoke first to confirm his name, then denied all eight counts against him with his arms folded. He said he was "absolutely not guilty" to two of the charges and repeated "not guilty" to the remaining six, according to the BBC.
When will Gary Glitter's trial take place?
Judge Tony Baumgartner adjourned the case for a three-week trial starting on 22 November 2027.
The allegations were first reported to the Metropolitan Police on 9 January 2025, and an investigation was launched. Gadd was first interviewed on 22 July last year in relation to the inquiry. 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.
Who is Gary Glitter?
Gary Glitter, born Paul Gadd, was one of the biggest pop stars of the 1970s with a string of number one hits. The 82-year-old former singer appeared via video-link from HMP Channing Wood to enter his pleas at Southwark Crown Court on Wednesday.
The case will be closely watched by observers of true crime and unsolved mysteries. A three-week trial starting on 22 November 2027 will determine whether Gadd is convicted on the eight charges he has denied.