Former British Pop Star Gary Glitter Arrested

[george]

Former British pop star Gary Glitter arrested

Sun Oct 28, 2012 1:03pm GMT

* Police report arrest of man in his 60s in London

* Glitter was glam-rock star in the 1970s

* BBC's Patten says company's reputation on the line

* Says BBC must tell the truth and own up to it

By Alessandra Rizzo

LONDON: -- One-time British pop star Gary Glitter was arrested on Sunday as part of an investigation into allegations of child sex abuse by the late BBC presenter Jimmy Savile, the BBC said.

It was the first arrest to be reported in a scandal that has already damaged the reputation of the publicly-funded BBC and the legacy of Savile, a former DJ who was one of the broadcaster's top show hosts and a dedicated charity fundraiser.

The head of the BBC's governing body said on Sunday the broadcaster's reputation was on the line, and promised to get to the bottom of the scandal.

A police statement said a man in his 60s had been picked up just after 7 am (0700 GMT) on suspicion of sexual offences in the investigation into "Savile and others". The statement did not name the man and a spokesman declined further comment.

The BBC and Sky News identified the man picked up from his London home as Glitter, a 68-year-old who was popular as a glam-rock singer in the 1970s. Footage on both broadcasters showed Glitter, who was not handcuffed, leaving an apartment in central London and being driven away.

Glitter, born Paul Gadd, shot to fame in the early 1970s with the hit "Rock and Roll". He has long been dogged by child sex accusations. He was convicted of abusing two girls in Vietnam in 2006 and has been jailed in that country.

Allegations that Savile sexually abused young girls for decades first emerged in an expose on the British TV channel ITV. Since then, police say some 300 victims had come forward.

The victims' allegations include claims from one woman that she had seen Glitter having sex with an underage girl in Savile's BBC dressing room while Savile abused another girl.

BLIND EYE?

The scandal has raised troubling questions about the BBC's management and its workplace culture in the past. Revelations that an investigation by Newsnight, the BBC's flagship TV news show, was shelved last December led to claims bosses at the broadcaster knew about the allegations but kept quiet.

"Can it really be the case that no one knew what he was doing? Did some turn a blind eye to criminality?" asked Chris Patten, chairman of the BBC Trust which oversees the broadcaster, writing in the Mail on Sunday.

The Sunday Times said the office of former BBC director Mark Thompson was alerted about the allegations twice, in May and September. Thompson is poised to take over as chief executive of the New York Times, and the Sunday Times quoted his spokesman as saying Thompson had not been told about the allegations on either occasion.

Thompson has told Reuters that he did not know about the nature of the investigation by the Newsnight programme into Savile, and had no involvement in the decision to axe the report.

The BBC said on its website on Sunday that "Thompson has said the first time he had been made aware of claims that Savile had committed serious crimes and that some had taken place while the entertainer was working at the BBC was after he stepped down as director general".

The broadcaster has announced two investigations as a result of the scandal, and Patten promised full cooperation.

"The BBC's reputation is on the line," he wrote. "The BBC must tell the truth and face up to the truth about itself, however terrible."

When Savile died in October last year aged 84, his gold coffin went on public display and he was lauded as a "national treasure" who had raised millions of pounds for good causes.

A year later, police describe him as "undoubtedly" one of Britain's most prolific sex offenders, and the Vatican said a papal knighthood given to Savile decades ago for his charity work "should not have been bestowed".

Savile's family said it was in despair over the allegations and offered its "deepest sympathy" to abuse victims. It also said it had decided to remove the headstone on Savile's grave and destroy it to avoid it becoming a target for vandals.

-- MEDIA 2012-10-28

[SimonD]

BBC interview with PR spinner Max Clifford also reveals that he has been approached by numerous 'star' names from the 70's and 80's seeking advice on rebutting allegations not yet made. Draw your own conclusions as to who else is yet to be exposed...

A sordid mess that seems to widen by the day. Why did so many people keep shamefully quiet? What if it had been their own children!!

[webfact]

Glitter arrested, released in Savile case

LONDON, Oct 29, 2012 (AFP) - British police have arrested 1970s glam rocker Gary Glitter as they investigate the mountain of sexual abuse allegations against the late TV star Jimmy Savile that have plunged the BBC into crisis.

The former pop star was later bailed to appear before officers in mid-December as part of the investigation police have termed "Savile and others", according to a Scotland Yard statement on Sunday.

Glitter is the first person arrested in an investigation which has snowballed since claims that Savile molested underage girls were aired in a television documentary earlier this month.

Glitter, 68, the king of the glam rock era with a string of hits, has served a jail term in Britain for downloading child pornography and in Vietnam for child sex offences.

Wearing a hat, dark glasses and a winter coat, Glitter was seen being escorted from his central London home early on Sunday.

"Officers working on Operation Yewtree have today arrested a man in his 60s in connection with the investigation," a Scotland Yard spokesman said.

"The man, from London, was arrested at approximately 7.15am on suspicion of sexual offences, and has been taken into custody at a London police station."

The operation has identified about 300 possible victims of Savile over a 40-year period, which would make the eccentric BBC presenter one of the worst offenders in British history.

The claims against Savile have plunged the BBC into crisis and destroyed the reputation of a man who, with his garish tracksuits and ever-present cigar, was one of the most famous faces on British television for decades.

Savile, who died on October 29 last year aged 84, also single-handedly raised tens of millions of pounds for charity.

The claims against him in an ITV documentary gave dozens of others the courage to come forward to police with allegations about Savile and others involved with him who are still alive.

Savile's great-niece on Sunday told Sky News she was abused twice by the DJ and that the family turned a blind eye to her claims.

"They both happened during a family gathering," said Caroline Robinson, 49.

"Jimmy got it down to perfection, where he managed to do it and what he did and nobody noticed.

"After it happened when I was 12, I spoke to my grandmother, I told her what Jimmy had done. Her reply was, 'It's only Jimmy, it doesn't matter, I'll sort it out'."

The Vatican said on Sunday it regretted conferring a papal knighthood on Savile in 1990 but there was no way to revoke the honour.

The Vatican is "deeply saddened" that Savile was made a knight commander of the Order of Saint Gregory the Great by Pope John Paul II, an honour that "in the light of recent information, should certainly not have been conferred", said Vatican spokesman Father Federico Lombardi.

The allegations against Savile include that he molested young girls on BBC premises.

The BBC has announced an independent investigation into the BBC's culture and practices during the Savile years.

Former Hong Kong governor Chris Patten, the chairman of the BBC Trust, the corporation's governing body, said the Savile revelations had put the BBC's reputation "on the line".

"The BBC must tell the truth and face up to the truth about itself, however terrible."

Glitter was the king of the over-the-top glam era, complete with extravagant make-up, bouffant wigs, silver jumpsuits and high boots.

He sold more then 20 million records and had a string of hits like I'm The Leader Of The Gang (I Am) and Rock and Roll (Parts 1 and 2).

He was convicted in Vietnam in March 2006 of "obscene acts" with two girls aged 11 and 12, and returned to London in August 2008 after his release from prison.

-- (c) Copyright AFP 2012-10-29

[softgeorge]

Didn't Glitter get arrested in Thailand a few years ago for alleged pedophile activity?

[JUDAS]

Didn't Glitter get arrested in Thailand a few years ago for alleged pedophile activity?

IIRC he wasn't actually arrested but was denied entry to the country after his release from prison in Vietnam.

[softgeorge]

Didn't Glitter get arrested in Thailand a few years ago for alleged pedophile activity?

IIRC he wasn't actually arrested but was denied entry to the country after his release from prison in Vietnam.

Ok that is what it was, thanks for jogging my memory

[baboon]

Such a pity. I used to love his music. Wouldn`t dare listen to it now.

[WyattEarp]

A year later, police describe him as "undoubtedly" one of Britain's most prolific sex offenders, and the Vatican said a papal knighthood given to Savile decades ago for his charity work "should not have been bestowed".

The Vatican? Really?!?

[TommoPhysicist]

Lots more big pop and showbiz names at the Beeb were rumoured to be at it in the 1980s.

Although as Saville is dead, seems a bit of a pointless exercise.

[uty6543]

I think it is grossly unfair of the alleged victims to come forward now long after Jimmy Savile is dead and cannot defend his name. But on the other hand I hope the investigation brings people to justice that are still alive that may have assisted in any crimes that were committed.

[softgeorge]

A year later, police describe him as "undoubtedly" one of Britain's most prolific sex offenders, and the Vatican said a papal knighthood given to Savile decades ago for his charity work "should not have been bestowed".

The Vatican? Really?!?

The Catholic Church would never stand for this type of behaviour

[softgeorge]

I think it is grossly unfair of the alleged victims to come forward now long after Jimmy Savile is dead and cannot defend his name. But on the other hand I hope the investigation brings people to justice that are still alive that may have assisted in any crimes that were committed.

Did you see this video???

http://news.ninemsn.com.au/world/2012/10/28/08/04/video-shows-saville-assault-on-live-tv

[sandrabbit]

I think it is grossly unfair of the alleged victims to come forward now long after Jimmy Savile is dead and cannot defend his name. But on the other hand I hope the investigation brings people to justice that are still alive that may have assisted in any crimes that were committed.

I think these people have come out because he is dead and are not scared anymore of bringing it into the public eye. If these allegations are true, the police seem to be taking them quite seriously, then it seems as the headlines say that he was one of Britain's most prolific offenders.

[uty6543]

I think it is grossly unfair of the alleged victims to come forward now long after Jimmy Savile is dead and cannot defend his name. But on the other hand I hope the investigation brings people to justice that are still alive that may have assisted in any crimes that were committed.

Did you see this video???

http://news.ninemsn....ault-on-live-tv

I have just watched that video and read the story from The Sun. Miss Edwards felt so disgusted she complained to a floor manager not the police so I think she was not disgusted just embarrassed maybe and without being able to hear Jimmy Savile’s side of the story who know what really happened there. Every woman has been groped (as shown in that video) at some time it is not something that will affect the rest of their lives as she claims.

[jbrain]

A year later, police describe him as "undoubtedly" one of Britain's most prolific sex offenders, and the Vatican said a papal knighthood given to Savile decades ago for his charity work "should not have been bestowed".

The Vatican? Really?!?

Probably the statement was made in a flurry of jealousy.

[chooka]

I think it is grossly unfair of the alleged victims to come forward now long after Jimmy Savile is dead and cannot defend his name. But on the other hand I hope the investigation brings people to justice that are still alive that may have assisted in any crimes that were committed.

Did you see this video???

http://news.ninemsn....ault-on-live-tv

I have just watched that video and read the story from The Sun. Miss Edwards felt so disgusted she complained to a floor manager not the police so I think she was not disgusted just embarrassed maybe and without being able to hear Jimmy Savile’s side of the story who know what really happened there. Every woman has been groped (as shown in that video) at some time it is not something that will affect the rest of their lives as she claims.

Every woman has been groped at some stage???? Oh so that makes it perfectly acceptable behaviour? So if your wife or daughter told you some guy just stuck his hand up thier skirt of groped thier tits, you would tell them to get over it and harden up, it was just a grope happens to every woman?

[uty6543]

I think it is grossly unfair of the alleged victims to come forward now long after Jimmy Savile is dead and cannot defend his name. But on the other hand I hope the investigation brings people to justice that are still alive that may have assisted in any crimes that were committed.

Did you see this video???

http://news.ninemsn....ault-on-live-tv

I have just watched that video and read the story from The Sun. Miss Edwards felt so disgusted she complained to a floor manager not the police so I think she was not disgusted just embarrassed maybe and without being able to hear Jimmy Savile’s side of the story who know what really happened there. Every woman has been groped (as shown in that video) at some time it is not something that will affect the rest of their lives as she claims.

Every woman has been groped at some stage???? Oh so that makes it perfectly acceptable behaviour? So if your wife or daughter told you some guy just stuck his hand up thier skirt of groped thier tits, you would tell them to get over it and harden up, it was just a grope happens to every woman?

No it does not make it perfectly acceptable behaviour but it happens. If the groping is of a serious nature I would tell them to report it to the police not a BBC floor manager.

[whybother]

No it does not make it perfectly acceptable behaviour but it happens. If the groping is of a serious nature I would tell them to report it to the police not a BBC floor manager.

"groping is of a serious nature" ???

[Baerboxer]

A year later, police describe him as "undoubtedly" one of Britain's most prolific sex offenders, and the Vatican said a papal knighthood given to Savile decades ago for his charity work "should not have been bestowed".

The Vatican? Really?!?

The pot calling the kettle black!

[uty6543]

No it does not make it perfectly acceptable behaviour but it happens. If the groping is of a serious nature I would tell them to report it to the police not a BBC floor manager.

"groping is of a serious nature" ???

Not always. Have you never been dancing with a lady with your hand on the small of her back and let your hand slip down either until she moves your hand back up or until you’ve got your hand on her bum. That’s groping. Its can be acceptable or unacceptable depending on the lady. It is used in situation comedies sometimes and always gets a laugh.

[Commander Tamson]

I think it is grossly unfair of the alleged victims to come forward now long after Jimmy Savile is dead and cannot defend his name. But on the other hand I hope the investigation brings people to justice that are still alive that may have assisted in any crimes that were committed.

They're only coming forward now because they thought 'Jim'll Fix It' - which he obviously did while he was alive! Vatican Knighthood or not - I hope he's rotting in hell!

[Baerboxer]

I think it is grossly unfair of the alleged victims to come forward now long after Jimmy Savile is dead and cannot defend his name. But on the other hand I hope the investigation brings people to justice that are still alive that may have assisted in any crimes that were committed.

Did you see this video???

http://news.ninemsn....ault-on-live-tv

I have just watched that video and read the story from The Sun. Miss Edwards felt so disgusted she complained to a floor manager not the police so I think she was not disgusted just embarrassed maybe and without being able to hear Jimmy Savile’s side of the story who know what really happened there. Every woman has been groped (as shown in that video) at some time it is not something that will affect the rest of their lives as she claims.

Sexual harrasment was much more common in the 70's in the UK. Many ladies had to put up with being groped at work and bosses weren't really interested unless it was very serious, and no one went to the police. It was a very different culture back then. That's why legislation had to be brought in.

However, saying this incident was responsible for her marriage breakdown and that she has never been able to trust men since seems a severe reaction or suggests over 30 years of suffering. I'm sorry for anyone who was abused in anyway but begin to wonder if some of the "victims' are now coming forward hoping for compensation.

[Baerboxer]

I think it is grossly unfair of the alleged victims to come forward now long after Jimmy Savile is dead and cannot defend his name. But on the other hand I hope the investigation brings people to justice that are still alive that may have assisted in any crimes that were committed.

Did you see this video???

http://news.ninemsn....ault-on-live-tv

I have just watched that video and read the story from The Sun. Miss Edwards felt so disgusted she complained to a floor manager not the police so I think she was not disgusted just embarrassed maybe and without being able to hear Jimmy Savile’s side of the story who know what really happened there. Every woman has been groped (as shown in that video) at some time it is not something that will affect the rest of their lives as she claims.

Every woman has been groped at some stage???? Oh so that makes it perfectly acceptable behaviour? So if your wife or daughter told you some guy just stuck his hand up thier skirt of groped thier tits, you would tell them to get over it and harden up, it was just a grope happens to every woman?

To suggest every woman in the world has been groped in nonsense. What research is this based on? It is a massive problem in some countries - India is the worst I've seen, but if anyone did this in US or UK I'm sure they'd get a thump and go to court.

[CHANGOVER]

The whole point of these allegations is that they are about sexual molestation of

UNDERAGE GIRLS! Nothing to do with 'groping women'!

[Neeranam]

Such a pity. I used to love his music. Wouldn`t dare listen to it now.

Why not?

[CHANGOVER]

Such a pity. I used to love his music. Wouldn`t dare listen to it now.

Why not?

Maybe he was in

''HIS GANG''

;-)

[softgeorge]

A year later, police describe him as "undoubtedly" one of Britain's most prolific sex offenders, and the Vatican said a papal knighthood given to Savile decades ago for his charity work "should not have been bestowed".

The Vatican? Really?!?

The pot calling the kettle black!

Quite true and the Catholic Church do nothing about pedophiles the brotherhood is protected.

Victoria Police says the Catholic Church has exacerbated the scourge of sexual abuse in the community by protecting clergy accused of abuse and not referring victims' reports to police.

Deputy Police commissioner Graham Ashton was one of the first people to give testimony at the first hearing of the state inquiry into the handling of sexual abuse by religious and other organisations today

Read more: http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/police-scathing-of-churchs-handling-of-abuse-20121019-27vti.html#ixzz2AfU8WWC7

[marstons]

Hopefully mr Gadd will spend his time if given any amongst the general prison population, then he can feel what its like.

[TommoPhysicist]

I think it is grossly unfair of the alleged victims to come forward now long after Jimmy Savile is dead and cannot defend his name. But on the other hand I hope the investigation brings people to justice that are still alive that may have assisted in any crimes that were committed.

Did you see this video???

http://news.ninemsn....ault-on-live-tv

Sorry, didn't see anything criminal happening there.

[khunken]

I'd have thought that the involvement of Glitter in Savile's activities would have raised a huge red flag.

Anyway, this enquiry is not so much about a pedophile but about others who knew about his abuse & either did nothing or helped to cover it up.

Also the argument that Savile is not now available to answer the charges is somehow unfair is <deleted>. Those he abused were too frightened or low down in the pecking order to come forward against a high-profile egomaniac.