ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Gary Glitter in Court Over 1978 Historical Sex Offence Charges

other · 2026-07-02

On Wednesday, Paul Gadd, better known as Gary Glitter, joined a court session via video link at Westminster Magistrates' Court to address four historical sexual offence charges from 1978. The 82-year-old has been ordered to remain in custody and is scheduled to appear at the Old Bailey on September 2. The charges involve unlawful sexual intercourse with a girl under 13 and three counts of indecent assault against a girl under 14, with the victim being between 8 and 11 years old at that time. The Metropolitan Police began their investigation after receiving reports on January 9, 2025. Gadd, currently incarcerated at HMP Channings Wood, claims he does not recognize the complainant. He was a prominent pop star during the 1970s.

Key facts

  • Gary Glitter, real name Paul Gadd, appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Wednesday via video link from prison.
  • He denied four historical sex offence charges dating back to 1978.
  • Charges include one count of unlawful sexual intercourse with a girl under 13 and three counts of indecent assault on a girl under 14.
  • The alleged offences occurred between 1978 and 1981 at a residential address in Kensington.
  • There is one alleged victim, aged 8 to 11 at the time.
  • Prosecutor Jonathan Polnay KC said Gadd denied knowing the complainant and called the allegations false.
  • The allegations were reported to the Metropolitan Police on 9 January 2025.
  • Gadd was remanded in custody and will appear at the Old Bailey on 2 September.
  • He is currently held at HMP Channings Wood in Devon.

Entities

Artists

  • Gary Glitter
  • Paul Gadd

Institutions

  • Westminster Magistrates' Court
  • Old Bailey
  • Metropolitan Police
  • HMP Channings Wood
  • CPS London
  • HMP Cannings Wood

Locations

  • London
  • United Kingdom
  • Kensington
  • Devon

Sources