ON
← Back to feed
Ex-pop star Gary Glitter pleads not guilty to charges he abused girl from age of eight
United Kingdom🏛️ PoliticsCenter9/2/2026

Ex-pop star Gary Glitter pleads not guilty to charges he abused girl from age of eight

Former pop star Gary Glitter, whose real name is Paul Gadd, has pleaded not guilty to eight allegations of sexual abuse involving a young girl during the 1970s and 1980s. The charges include four counts of indecent assault with a child aged between eight and 11, two counts of sexual intercourse with a child, and two counts of indecency with a child between 1978 and 1981. The alleged abuse reportedly occurred at Glitter's home in Kensington, West London, where he gave the victim chocolate before allegedly abusing her. Glitter appeared in court via videolink from prison and denied all charges. The allegations were first brought to light in January 2025, and Glitter was interviewed by the Metropolitan Police in July 2025. Glitter was a prominent figure in the 1970s, known for hits such as 'Rock And Roll (Parts One And Two)' and 'Do You Wanna Touch Me.'

Five nuns are facing multiple charges of historical child abuse, including allegations of force-feeding, physical violence, and psychological torment. The case involves Marie Docherty, Mary Broderick, Margaret McLafferty, Kathleen McLean, and Mary Doyle, all of whom are accused of committing offenses spanning 17 years between 1965 and 1982. The charges stem from incidents reportedly occurring at Nazareth House facilities located in Aberdeen and Bonnyrigg, Midlothian, Scotland. A preliminary hearing was held at the High Court in Glasgow, with a follow-up scheduled for January 22, 2027. The trial is tentatively set to begin on March 30, 2027, with an estimated duration of eight weeks. The indictment outlines 108 charges against the five women, detailing a range of alleged abuses. One of the most disturbing accusations involves Docherty allegedly forcing a boy to consume spoiled food, striking him with a wooden stick, making him stand while wearing soiled bedding, and locking him in a room. Another charge claims that Docherty pressed a hot iron onto a teenage girl's hand, repeatedly struck her on the head and body, and forced her to lie in bed. The same girl is also alleged to have been denied food, leading to her fainting. She was reportedly subjected to having soap forced into her mouth, resulting in vomiting, followed by being instructed to eat the vomit after her head was placed in it. Additional charges accuse Docherty, Broderick, and Doyle of compelling children to kiss a corpse. Other allegations include punching, striking, kicking, force-feeding, and making children wear soiled bedding or clothing. The legal proceedings began with a preliminary hearing at the High Court in Glasgow, presided over by Lord Renucci. During this session, the court outlined the next steps in the case, setting a date for a further preliminary hearing on January 22, 2027. The trial is currently scheduled to commence on March 30, 2027, with an estimated duration of eight weeks. All five defendants have formally pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against them. The alleged abuse took place at two locations associated with Nazareth House, one in Aberdeen and the other in Bonnyrigg, Midlothian. These sites are linked to the religious order that employed the accused nuns. The timeframe of the alleged offenses spans from 1965 to 1982, indicating a long period during which these actions purportedly occurred. The nature of the charges suggests a pattern of systemic abuse, involving both physical harm and psychological manipulation. The case has drawn attention due to its severity and the age of the defendants, many of whom are in their late 70s or older. The legal process will need to navigate complex issues related to the statute of limitations, the reliability of witness testimony, and the potential impact of the defendants' advanced age on their ability to defend themselves. Legal experts suggest that such cases often require extensive evidence gathering and careful consideration of the context in which the alleged crimes occurred. The trial is expected to proceed in Glasgow, where the legal system will handle the complexities of prosecuting individuals who are now elderly. The outcome of the case could have broader implications for how historical abuse cases are addressed within the Scottish legal framework. As the case moves forward, the focus will remain on the evidence presented and the legal arguments made by both sides. The trial is anticipated to conclude in early May 2027, following the initial eight-week period.

How this report was made. Objective News wrote this report from 4 source articles, using AI-assisted synthesis under our methodology. It is our own text, not a copy of any single outlet. Read our methodology.

Responsible editor: Matej BašaSpotted an error? Report it

6 reports

The Independent logoThe IndependentIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 859/2/2026
Gary Glitter pleads not guilty to sexual abuse charges against eight-year-old girl

Former pop star Gary Glitter, known professionally as Gary Glitter, has pleaded not guilty to eight charges of sexual abuse against a female victim aged between eight and 11. The alleged incidents occurred between 1978 and 1981, during which Glitter is accused of engaging in indecent assaults, indecency with a child, and unlawful sexual intercourse with the minor. The 82-year-old performer, whose real name is Paul Gadd, appeared via video-link from HMP Channing Wood during a court appearance at Southwark Crown Court. He denied all charges, stating 'absolutely not guilty' to some and repeating 'not guilty' to others. The Metropolitan Police confirmed the allegations were reported in January 2025, leading to Glitter's interview in July 2025. His legal team will represent him during a scheduled trial beginning on November 22, 2025.

Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information regarding legal proceedings and does not exhibit overt ideological leaning. It reports on the charges and court process without commentary on the moral implications or political ramifications of the case. The tone remains neutral, focusing on the legal matter

Why factuality (85): The article provides detailed and consistent information about Glitter's plea, the charges, and the timeline of events. It aligns with other sources on the police report date, his appearance in court, and the nature of the accusations.

Why objectivity (85): The tone is highly neutral, presenting the facts without any apparent bias or emotional influence. It focuses solely on the legal proceedings and official statements.

Daily Mirror logoDaily MirrorIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 808/31/2026
Five nuns accused of child abuse including 'force-feeding and using hot iron'

Five nuns from Scotland are facing multiple charges of historical child abuse, including allegations of force-feeding, physical violence, and inappropriate treatment of children at Nazareth House facilities between 1965 and 1982. The indictment lists 108 charges spanning 17 years, detailing abuses such as forcing a child to eat spoiled food, striking them with a wooden stick, locking them in rooms, pressing a hot iron onto a teenager's hand, and making children kiss corpses. The nuns, Marie Docherty, Mary Broderick, Margaret McLafferty, Kathleen McLean, and Mary Doyle, all pleaded not guilty. A preliminary hearing was held in Glasgow, with a further hearing scheduled for early 2027 and a potential trial starting in mid-2027.

Bias read (Center): The article presents factual allegations against specific individuals without overtly endorsing or condemning any political stance. While the subject involves serious criminal charges, the reporting remains neutral in tone, focusing on the legal proceedings rather than taking a partisan position. No

Why factuality (85): The article accurately describes the charges against the five nuns, including specific allegations like force-feeding, hot iron use, and other abusive acts. It aligns with other sources on the number of nuns, charges, and locations involved. No significant discrepancies found.

Why objectivity (80): The article maintains a neutral tone, presenting the allegations without overt emotional language. While the content is distressing, it avoids sensationalism and sticks to factual reporting.

The Independent logoThe IndependentIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 808/31/2026
Hearing set for five nuns accused of abuse at children’s homes

Five nuns, including Marie Docherty, Mary Broderick, Margaret McLafferty, Kathleen McLean, and Mary Doyle, are facing 108 charges of historic abuse against children at various children's homes in Scotland between 1965 and 1982. The charges include physical abuse such as hitting, kicking, and forcing children to consume spoiled food, as well as extreme acts like pressing a hot iron onto a teenager's hand and making a child eat vomit. A preliminary hearing was held in Glasgow, and a further hearing has been scheduled for January 22, 2027, with a trial tentatively set to begin on March 30, 2027. All accused have pleaded not guilty.

Bias read (Center): The article presents factual allegations against the nuns without overtly endorsing or condemning any political stance. It reports on legal proceedings and historical abuse claims, focusing on the judicial process rather than taking a partisan position. While the issue of historical abuse is highly讼

Why factuality (85): This article matches the other accounts regarding Glitter's plea of not guilty, the timeframe of the alleged abuse, and the nature of the charges. It adds details about the trial schedule and his appearance in court, consistent with cross-source information.

Why objectivity (80): The article remains objective, focusing on the legal process and Glitter's defense without injecting personal opinion or emotional commentary.

BBC News (UK) logoBBC News (UK)State / PublicCenterFactual 80Objective 859/2/2026
Gary Glitter pleads not guilty to historical sex offence charges

Gary Glitter, known professionally as Paul Gadd, has pleaded not guilty to eight historical sex offence charges involving the sexual abuse of a girl between the ages of eight and 11 between 1978 and 1981. The charges include indecent assault, sexual intercourse with a minor, and indecency with a child under 13. Gadd, 82, appeared via video-link from prison at Southwark Crown Court to enter his pleas, denying all charges. The case will proceed to a trial scheduled for November 2027. The allegations were first reported to the Metropolitan Police in early 2025, leading to an investigation. Gadd was a prominent 1970s pop star with multiple chart-topping hits.

Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about a legal proceeding without overtly biased language or editorializing. It reports on the charges, the defendant's plea, and the judicial process in an objective manner, balancing the narrative without leaning toward any particular political perspective.

Why factuality (80): The article confirms Glitter's plea of not guilty, the charges, and the timeline of the alleged abuse. It includes additional details about his appearance and the police involvement, consistent with other reports. Minor omissions compared to more detailed sources.

Why objectivity (85): The article maintains a balanced and impartial tone, avoiding subjective language and sticking strictly to the facts presented in the legal context.

Daily Mirror logoDaily MirrorIndependentCenterFactual 75Objective 809/2/2026
Ex-pop star Gary Glitter pleads not guilty to charges he abused girl from age of eight

Former pop star Gary Glitter, whose real name is Paul Gadd, has pleaded not guilty to eight allegations of sexual abuse involving a young girl during the 1970s and 1980s. The charges include four counts of indecent assault with a child aged between eight and 11, two counts of sexual intercourse with a child, and two counts of indecency with a child between 1978 and 1981. The alleged abuse reportedly occurred at Glitter's home in Kensington, West London, where he gave the victim chocolate before allegedly abusing her. Glitter appeared in court via videolink from prison and denied all charges. The allegations were first brought to light in January 2025, and Glitter was interviewed by the Metropolitan Police in July 2025. Glitter was a prominent figure in the 1970s, known for hits such as 'Rock And Roll (Parts One And Two)' and 'Do You Wanna Touch Me.'

Bias read (Center): The article presents the legal proceedings and allegations against Gary Glitter in a neutral manner, without apparent bias toward either the defendant or the accuser. It provides factual information about the charges, the court appearance, and the timeline of events without using emotionally charged

Why factuality (75): The article accurately reports that Gary Glitter pleaded not guilty to multiple charges of sexual abuse against a girl aged 8-11 between 1978-1981. It provides specific details about the charges, location, and his appearance in court. However, it does not mention the police report date or the exact

Why objectivity (80): The tone remains neutral, reporting facts without emotional language or bias. The article presents the legal proceedings objectively, focusing on the charges and Glitter's response.

Reuters logoReutersIndependentCenterFactual: no official source document/info detectedObjective 909/2/2026
Ex-pop star Gary Glitter pleads not guilty to UK charges of historical sex offences

Former pop star Gary Glitter has pleaded not guilty to historical sex offence charges in the UK. The charges relate to alleged sexual misconduct involving minors, which date back several decades. Glitter, who rose to fame in the 1970s with his hit 'Rock and Roll Fantasy,' faced renewed scrutiny after new allegations emerged. His legal team has denied the accusations, asserting that the claims lack sufficient evidence. The case highlights ongoing debates around historical abuse cases and the legal processes involved in prosecuting such matters.

Bias read (Center): The article presents the legal proceedings against Gary Glitter in an objective manner, focusing on the charges and his plea of not guilty. There is no overt ideological framing or emphasis on specific political perspectives. The narrative remains centered on the legal and factual aspects of the案件,

Why factuality: no official source document/info detected

Why objectivity (90): The article presents the information in a neutral tone, simply stating the outcome of a legal proceeding without expressing personal opinion or bias. The language is formal and objective, focusing solely on the reported facts.

How each side covered it

The same event, grouped by the political lean of the outlets covering it.

How each side covered it

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and every other Supporter feature.

Become a Supporter

Covered around the world

The same event as reported in other countries.

Covered around the world

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and every other Supporter feature.

Become a Supporter

Claims check

Key factual claims, and how many sources assert vs dispute each.

Claims check

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and every other Supporter feature.

Become a Supporter

Keep the news honest.

ObjectiveNews is reader-funded and ad-free — we show you the bias instead of hiding it. Support independent journalism for €4/month.

Become a Supporter

Related stories