Former Pop Star Gary Glitter Pleads Not Guilty to Historical Sex Offence Charges in UK

LONDON: Former British pop star Paul Gadd, known by his stage name Gary Glitter, pleaded not guilty on Wednesday to eight charges of historical sexual offences involving a young girl.

The 82-year-old appeared by video link from prison at Southwark Crown Court, where he denied 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 allege that the offences took place between 1978 and 1981, when the alleged victim was between eight and 11 years old. The alleged incidents are said to have occurred at Gadd’s home in Kensington, London.

Gadd, who rose to prominence during the 1970s glam-rock era, remains in custody pending trial. His trial is scheduled to take place next year.

The latest charges are separate from Gadd’s previous conviction in the United Kingdom for historic child sex offences. He was released from prison in 2023 after serving part of a sentence imposed following his conviction.

The case has attracted renewed attention because of Gadd’s long-standing public profile as a major figure in British popular music before his criminal convictions and subsequent imprisonment.

Gadd’s plea means the prosecution will now have to establish the allegations in court, while the defendant remains legally presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.