During a recent hearing at the high court, it was disclosed that one of the individuals victimised by Gary Glitter is seeking approximately £500,000 in damages from the disgraced musician, whose legal name is Paul Gadd.
The woman, whose identity remains undisclosed due to legal reasons, is pursuing legal action against Glitter following his 2015 conviction for assaulting her and two other young individuals between the years 1975 and 1980. She had previously obtained a “default judgment,” indicating a ruling in her favour regarding Glitter’s liability. However, the court has yet to determine the precise amount of damages she is entitled to receive.
During the proceedings, it was revealed that the victim has been unable to engage in employment for several decades due to the trauma inflicted upon her. A portion of her damages claim amounts to £20,000 annually for 40 years, encompassing the duration she has been unable to work, although the final award is anticipated to be adjusted accordingly.
Representing the woman, Jonathan Metzer emphasised the profound and detrimental impact Glitter’s abuse had on her education, career, and personal relationships. He described the enduring pain and suffering experienced by someone who had endured such heinous abuse and subsequently grappled with feelings of shame and worthlessness.
Metzer highlighted the abuse of power by Glitter, exploiting his status as a rock star, which contributed to an imbalance of power that facilitated his misconduct. He noted that the victim’s mother, being a fan of Glitter’s music, further exacerbated the situation, illustrating the betrayal of trust that occurred.
Notably, Glitter did not attend the hearing, nor was he represented by legal counsel, indicating his lack of engagement with the civil proceedings.
The presiding judge, Mrs. Justice Tipples, indicated that her decision on the matter would be delivered in early May. She acknowledged the complexity of assessing the damages sought, particularly considering the extended period of time the victim was unable to participate in the workforce.
Tipples underscored the significant sum being requested, emphasising the importance of careful consideration in evaluating the claim.
Glitter’s history of sexual abuse came to light as part of Operation Yewtree, an investigation initiated by the Metropolitan Police following the Jimmy Savile scandal. In 2015, Glitter was sentenced to 16 years in prison for his crimes against three schoolgirls. Despite his release in 2031, Glitter found himself back in prison for breaching parole conditions related to accessing inappropriate material online.
