Paul Gadd, better known as the disgraced former rock star Gary Glitter, has been released from prison after serving half of his 16-year sentence for sexually abusing three schoolgirls. The 79-year-old was freed last Friday from HMP The Verne, a low-security category C prison located in Portland, Dorset. He continues to be subject to strict licence restrictions following his release.
Once at the height of his fame, Gadd’s celebrity facade was shattered by his past crimes. He preyed on vulnerable victims who felt powerless against his influence. He sexually assaulted two girls aged just 12 and 13 by luring them backstage and isolating them from their mothers. In a darker incident dating back to 1975, he attempted to rape a third victim, who was under ten years old, by creeping into her bed.
The horrific abuse only came to light some 40 years later when Gadd became the first person arrested under Operation Yewtree. This Metropolitan Police investigation was launched in the wake of the Jimmy Savile scandal, aiming to uncover historic sexual abuse by prominent figures.
During his imprisonment, Gadd served part of his sentence at HMP Albany on the Isle of Wight before transferring to HMP The Verne in Dorset, where he was eventually released.
Originally published by UKNIP.
