British authorities have formally charged former glam rock singer Gary Glitter, whose real name is Paul Gadd, with multiple counts of indecent assault and unlawful sexual activity involving a minor. The alleged offenses are reported to have occurred between 1978 and 1981.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) announced on Thursday that Glitter faces three counts of indecent assault involving a girl under the age of 14, as well as one count of unlawful sex with a girl under 13. The charges stem from allegations made by a woman who reported the abuse to police in 2025. Bethan David, a prosecutor with the CPS, confirmed the charges came after an investigation into these claims.

The Metropolitan Police provided additional details, stating that the alleged assaults took place at a residential address in Kensington, London. The complainant first contacted authorities on January 9, 2025, prompting the investigation that eventually led to formal prosecution.

Gary Glitter, a prominent figure in the glam rock movement of the 1970s, is best known for his track "Rock and Roll (Part 2)," which achieved international success, reaching No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States. The song remains widely recognized and is frequently used in sporting events and entertainment media.

At the time of the CPS announcement, Glitter was held in a prison facility in Devon, England. He is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on August 5 for an initial hearing.

Under British law, media outlets face restrictions on publishing details that could prejudice the upcoming trial or reveal the identity of the alleged victim, and such restrictions remain in effect following the charges.

The case highlights ongoing efforts by UK authorities to address historic allegations of sexual abuse, as prosecutors increasingly pursue charges based on reports that come forward decades after the alleged incidents.