Gary Glitter 'jailed' again after 'downloading videos' of children from dark web

02 April 2023 , 09:48

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Gary Glitter, whose real name is Paul Gadd, was found to be using the dark web after being released from prison (Image: PA)

Gary Glitter has been returned to jail after reportedly viewing and downloading videos of girls performing ballet routines.

The disgraced musician is believed to have been viewing the images and videos on the streaming site YouTube as well as the video-sharing app, TikTok.

According to reports, the 78-year-old whose real name is Paul Gadd had been watching videos of girls as young as eight in leotards and skirts practising gymnastics and ballet.

When confronted, the registered sex offender claimed he had been viewing them purely due to his interest in the arts, although officials believed he may have been showing an interest in children.

Gary Glitter is said to be back behind bars after viewing and downloading videos of young girls (Kirsty Wigglesworth/AP/REX/Shutterstock)

Glitter had originally been jailed and signed the sex offenders register in 1997 after a computer technician discovered pornographic images of children on a laptop belonging to him.

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A police raid at his home eventually led to the discovery of more images, with the former singer admitting to downloading more than 4,000 items.

Speaking to The Sun, a source claimed: "The main reason he is back behind bars is because it was found he was actively searching and viewing videos of young girls.

The convicted sex offender had been using streaming services such as YouTube and TikTok (AFP via Getty Images)

"He clearly still has an interest in young girls and has not reformed at all."

Speaking to the Mirror, a Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: "The Deputy Prime Minister will do everything in his power to keep dangerous offenders like Paul Gadd behind bars and is toughening the parole system to keep the public safe."

It previously emerged that Glitter had been downloading content via an app called DuckDuckGo, which gives users access to the dark web.

His recall to prison comes just months after he was released from His Majesties Prison The Verne in Dorset, having served half of his 16-year sentence.

Glitter was thrown behind bars for abusing three girls in the 1970s.

Now, he is locked away at HMP The Verne, a Category C prison for male sex offenders and is surrounded by cliffs, as well as a moat.

He is now behind bars again at HMP The Verne, a Category C prison for sex offenders

However, sources told The Sun that Glitter believes he had been part of a "stitch up" by the publication after he was filed discussing accessing the dark web.

He had previously been residing at a hostel following his release but was caught on camera discussing access to the dark web which led to officials recalling him.

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Following his release, he had been wearing a GPS tag, received a nightly curfew and had been banned from going near schools, playgrounds or swimming centres as part of his license conditions – which he breached.

His mobile phone also had the ability to be monitored remotely.

Glitter attacked two girls, aged 12 and 13, after inviting them backstage to his dressing room, and isolating them from their mothers. His third victim was less than 10 years old when he crept into her bed and tried to rape her in 1975.

Justice Secretary and Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab previously began implementing a package of reforms to restore the confidence of the public in the parole system.

Those serving life sentences may eventually be assessed by the Parole Board for release having served a minimum term, although it is now possible that they will never be freed and any who are released will face strict conditions and can return to prison at any time.

Daniel Bird