Gary Glitter, the former pop star currently serving a 16-year sentence for sexual offenses, is scheduled to appear in court via video link to face new historic sexual abuse charges. The 82-year-old is being held at HMP Channings Wood in Devon, where he is partially deaf and uses a wheelchair.

The preliminary hearing is set to take place before magistrates at Westminster Magistrates' Court in London, nearly 200 miles from the prison. Glitter was charged last month with four offenses allegedly committed between 1978 and 1981, including sexual activity with a girl under the age of 13.

Concerns about Glitter’s health influenced the decision to allow his remote appearance. According to sources familiar with the case, transporting him to London was deemed too taxing due to his advanced age and medical condition, which reportedly includes his body "giving up." As a result, it was determined that travel in a prison van would pose significant risks to his well-being.

While some have expressed dissatisfaction with Glitter not attending the hearing in person, it has been noted that if the case progresses to the Crown Court, his physical presence would likely be required. The current proceedings will focus on outlining the charges before deciding whether the matter should be sent to a higher court for trial.