The 82-year-old former glam-rock star, Paul Gadd, known by his stage name Gary Glitter, has formally denied multiple child sex abuse charges in a UK court. Appearing via video link from prison at Southwark Crown Court, Gadd entered pleas of not guilty to eight counts related to alleged offenses against a girl between 1978 and 1981. At the time of the alleged abuse, the complainant was reportedly between eight and 11 years old.
Details of the Charges
Gadd is accused of four counts of indecent assault, two counts of indecency with a child, and two counts of unlawful sexual intercourse with a girl under the age of 13. Prosecutors have indicated that the alleged incidents occurred at Gadd’s residence in the Kensington area of London. The court has scheduled his trial for next year, and Gadd has been remanded in custody until then.
Background and Previous Convictions
This legal proceeding marks the latest chapter in a long history of legal troubles for the musician, whose career peaked in the 1970s. Gadd’s past includes significant convictions for child sex offenses in Southeast Asia and the UK.
International Legal History
- Cambodia (2002): Gadd was deported from Cambodia on suspicion of child sexual abuse. He subsequently settled in Vietnam.
- Vietnam: A Vietnamese court found him guilty of obscene acts with minors and sentenced him to three years imprisonment.
- Deportation to the UK (2008): Upon his release from prison in Vietnam, Gadd was deported back to the UK. During a transit stop at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Thailand, he reportedly feigned illness in an attempt to avoid boarding his flight to London.
UK Convictions and Release
Following his return to Britain, Gadd was placed on the sex offenders’ register. He was later arrested and convicted of indecently assaulting three girls. In 2015, he received a 16-year prison sentence for these offenses.
Gadd was released from prison in February 2023. However, his freedom was short-lived, as he was recalled to jail the following month for allegedly breaching the conditions of his release. A parole board review was anticipated, with the possibility of further review “in due course.” Without release, he was set to serve the remainder of his sentence until 2031.
The Current Legal Process
The current charges stem from a different alleged victim and period than his previous UK convictions. The legal process will now move towards a trial where Gadd will face these new allegations. His plea of not guilty indicates he will contest the charges brought against him.
The court’s decision to remand Gadd in custody underscores the seriousness of the charges and the ongoing legal scrutiny he faces. The upcoming trial will involve presenting evidence and testimony related to the alleged offenses that occurred decades ago.
Conclusion
Gary Glitter, whose real name is Paul Gadd, has entered not guilty pleas to eight charges of child sex offenses. The allegations date back to the late 1970s and early 1980s. Gadd, who has a history of convictions for similar offenses both internationally and in the UK, remains in custody pending his trial next year. The legal proceedings will aim to establish the facts surrounding these new accusations.
