A former British pop star has been charged with multiple sexual offences alleged to have occurred in the 1970s and 1980s, London's Metropolitan Police confirmed on Thursday. The suspect, now in his 70s, was arrested earlier this week and has been released on bail pending a court appearance scheduled for later this month.
Details of the Charges
Police said the charges include seven counts of indecent assault and three counts of gross indecency involving three female complainants who were under the age of 16 at the time of the alleged incidents. The offences are said to have taken place between 1975 and 1985 in London and the south of England.
Detective Superintendent Sarah Jones of the Met's Child Abuse Investigation Unit stated: "These allegations are extremely serious and relate to a period when the suspect was at the height of his fame. We have worked closely with the Crown Prosecution Service to build a robust case."
Background of the Accused
The accused enjoyed several chart-topping hits in the 1970s and early 1980s before his career declined. He has not been named in connection with these latest charges, but his previous legal troubles include a 2015 conviction for attempted rape and sexual assault against a minor, for which he served half of a 16-year sentence before being released in 2023.
According to court records, the singer was also convicted in 2006 for possession of child pornography and in 2008 for attempting to import such material. His criminal history spans multiple jurisdictions, including the UK and Vietnam.
Investigation and Legal Process
The Metropolitan Police launched the current investigation in late 2025 after receiving new complaints from the alleged victims, who are now adults. Officers executed a search warrant at the suspect's London residence last month, seizing electronic devices and documents.
"We encourage anyone who has experienced sexual abuse, no matter how long ago, to come forward and speak to police," Detective Superintendent Jones added. "We will listen and investigate thoroughly."
The suspect is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on July 20. He has not yet entered a plea. His lawyer declined to comment when approached by reporters.
Impact and Reactions
The charges have reignited discussions about historical sexual abuse in the entertainment industry. Victims' rights advocates have praised the police for pursuing cases regardless of the time elapsed. "This sends a clear message that perpetrators cannot hide behind their fame or the passage of time," said Rachel Thompson of the Survivors Trust.
The case also highlights the ongoing efforts by UK law enforcement to address non-recent sexual offences. In 2025, police recorded a 12% increase in reports of historical sexual abuse compared to the previous year, according to Office for National Statistics data.
