Former pop star Gary Glitter has appeared in court charged with historical sexual offences involving a girl aged between eight and 11. The alleged offences date back to the late 1970s and reportedly took place at Glitter’s home in Kensington and Chelsea, West London, where the victim lived nearby.

Glitter, 82, whose real name is Paul Gadd, faced four charges at Westminster magistrates’ court via videolink from HMP Channings Wood in Devon, where he is currently serving a 16-year sentence for previous child sex offences. The charges include unlawful sexual intercourse with a girl under 13 and three counts of indecent assault on a girl under 14 between 1978 and 1981. All the alleged offences involve the same complainant.

Prosecutor Jonathan Polnay KC told the court the complainant, now in her mid-50s, came forward to police in January 2025. It was alleged that Glitter would give the girl chocolate to entice her into his house, where he then committed several serious sexual offences over a period of three years. Glitter has denied the allegations. During the hearing, he expressed difficulty hearing proceedings due to deafness and relied on lip-reading to follow the court.

Metropolitan Police confirmed that they first received the allegations on January 9, 2025, and interviewed Glitter later that year in July in connection with the investigation. Glitter told police he did not know the complainant and insisted the charges were false.

During the court appearance, Glitter, dressed in a blue shirt, jeans, cap, and sometimes wearing sunglasses, repeatedly indicated he had trouble hearing, requesting adjustments for his hearing aids. He identified himself as Paul Gadd when asked to confirm his name.

Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring remanded Glitter in custody and ordered that he appear at the Central Criminal Court, commonly known as the Old Bailey, on September 2. The magistrate stated it remains to be decided whether Glitter’s next appearance will be in person or via videolink. He also noted that the most serious offence among the charges is indictable-only, meaning it must be dealt with by the Crown Court.

Glitter rose to fame as one of the 1970s’ leading glam rock figures, selling an estimated 18 million records in five years. His catalogue includes hits such as “Rock and Roll (Parts One and Two),” “I’m The Leader Of The Gang (I Am),” and “Do You Wanna Touch Me.” His last UK top-40 single was “Another Rock and Roll Christmas” in 1984.