Disgraced pop star Gary Glitter will stay in prison for at least two more years after his latest bid for release was rejected by the Parole Board, it was confirmed today.
Parole Refused Over Ongoing Risk to the Public
The 80-year-old former singer, whose real name is Paul Gadd, was sentenced to 16 years in prison in 2015 for sexually abusing three schoolgirls between 1975 and 1980. He was automatically released halfway through his sentence in February 2023 but was recalled to prison just six weeks later for breaching his licence conditions.
According to reports, Glitter was caught allegedly viewing disturbing content involving children, which prompted an immediate return to custody. In February 2024, his bail was denied after it was found that he still posed a significant risk to children and had shown no genuine remorse or rehabilitation.
Parole Board’s Statement: Public Safety Comes First
A spokesperson for the Parole Board stated:
“A panel of the Parole Board refused the release of Paul Gadd following a paper review. Parole decisions are solely focused on the risk a prisoner could pose to the public if released.”
“Protecting the public is our number one priority.”
The board examined detailed reports including psychiatric evaluations, prison conduct, and the impact on victims. Glitter was not allowed to address the board directly and the review was done solely through written evidence.
No Progress on Rehabilitation
The board’s written decision, expected to be made public soon, reportedly emphasized Glitter’s ongoing sexual interest in underage girls and lack of empathy for victims. It also revealed that:
• Glitter has never participated in accredited sex offender rehabilitation programs due to denial of guilt and ineligibility.
• His probation officer warned that his risk could not be safely managed in the community.
“Since his recall, his behaviour in prison was generally good,” the board acknowledged. “However, without addressing his underlying issues, he remains a danger.”
A Pattern of Offending Spanning Decades
Glitter’s descent began in 1999, when he was jailed for possessing over 4,000 child abuse images. In the 2000s, he was expelled from Cambodia and later jailed in Vietnam for sexually abusing two girls, aged 10 and 11. His 2015 conviction emerged from Operation Yewtree, a UK-wide investigation launched in the wake of the Jimmy Savile scandal.
Currently believed to be held at HM Prison Risley in Cheshire—known for housing male sex offenders—Glitter will be eligible for another review in two years, but any future release will again depend on an in-depth risk assessment.
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Paul Gadd, once a glam rock icon, remains a chilling example of how celebrity status can hide decades of abuse. With no rehabilitation progress and clear risk factors, his continued imprisonment reaffirms society’s commitment to public safety and justice for survivors.
