Former pop star Gary Glitter has appeared in court, charged with sexual offences dating back to the 1970s.
The 82-year-old singer, whose real name is Paul Gadd, appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.
He is charged with unlawful sexual intercourse with a girl under 13 and three counts of indecent assault on a girl under 14.
Prosecutor Jonathan Polnay KC said that the alleged offences occurred between 1978 and 1981, when the complainant, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, was aged eight to 11.
The offences allegedly took place at Glitter’s home in Kensington and Chelsea, west London.
Prosecutors allege that Glitter would give the girl chocolate and “invite her into his house where he then committed a number of serious sexual offences”.
open image in galleryGlitter appeared at the court on Wednesday via videolink, wearing a blue shirt, glasses and a cap.
After being asked to confirm his name, Glitter said: “Your honour, excuse me, I’m extremely deaf and unless I’m lip-reading I can’t hear.
“My name is Paul Gadd.”
Glitter 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.”
Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring remanded Glitter into custody.
He will next appear at the Old Bailey on 2 September. The judge added 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 9 January 2025 and Glitter was interviewed on 22 July 2025 in relation to the investigation.
Glitter was one of the biggest stars of his time, selling 18 million records in five years in the early 1970s.
He enjoyed transatlantic success with a string of 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”.