Tim Westwood, the former Radio 1 and Capital Xtra DJ, has been charged with two additional historic sexual offences, bringing the total number of charges he faces to 17. The 68-year-old is accused of indecently assaulting a girl aged 16 or 17 in Hammersmith and Fulham in 1991, and of sexually assaulting an 18-year-old woman in Wandsworth in May 2004.

These new allegations follow earlier charges covering alleged offences between 1983 and 2016 involving seven women. Westwood was previously charged with nine counts of indecent assault, two counts of sexual assault, and four counts of rape. The offences reportedly occurred in various locations across London, including BBC Studios where he hosted radio shows between 1994 and 2013, as well as other sites including Fulham, Vauxhall, Stroud, and Finchley.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) in London confirmed the authorization of the new charges after an investigation by the Metropolitan Police. Catherine P Baccas, the deputy chief crown prosecutor, stated that prosecutors are confident there is sufficient evidence to proceed and emphasized the importance of pursuing the charges in the public interest. She also reminded that criminal proceedings are ongoing and that Westwood is entitled to a fair trial.

Westwood has denied all allegations, entering not guilty pleas to the original 15 charges last December. The additional charges will be heard alongside the existing counts. His trial is scheduled to take place at Southwark Crown Court in January.

Westwood first gained prominence as a leading figure in the UK hip-hop scene, launching the BBC Radio 1’s first dedicated rap show in 1994. He continued at the BBC until 2013 before moving on to Capital Xtra, where he hosted a show until April 2022.

The new charges come amid wider discussions about historic sexual abuse allegations in the entertainment industry. The legal process is ongoing, and as the case develops, further details may emerge.