Warwick Polygraph Examiner reviews Gary Glitter Case
When we learned last week that Paul Francis Gadd, more commonly known as Gary Glitter, may soon be allowed out of prison on day release, it came as no great surprise. In today’s society it’s not unusual for paedophiles serving long sentences to be released much earlier than they should be.
In 2015 this paedophile was incarcerated for 16 years having been convicted of historical sex attacks on young girls. One of his victims was just 8 years old when he attempted to rape her.
Who is Gary Glitter?
Born on 8 May 1944, Paul Francis Gadd using his professional name of Gary Glitter, became one of the most successful glam-rock singers during the 70s and 80s. Easily recognised from the make-up, glitter suits and platform boots, his lively, energetic performances were immensely popular. Selling 20 million records worldwide there is no doubt he was a highly successful artist.
Sexual abuse and rape of children
In 1997 child pornography images were discovered on his computer which led to him being arrested, charged and convicted in 1999 for possession of them. He was sentenced to 4 months imprisonment but only served 2. When he was released in January 2000 he expressed “deep regret”.
Such was his “regret” that in March 2006, he was convicted in Vietnam of sexually abusing two girls of 10 and 11 years old. Had he been convicted of rape, he could easily have been executed by a firing squad.
In 2008 Gary Glitter returned to Britain and was ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register.
Four years later, in 2012, he was arrested as part of the Operation Yewtree investigation, which was instigated following the Jimmy Savile scandal.
In 2015 he was convicted on 6 counts, including one attempted rape, one of having sex with a minor under the age of 13 and 4 indecent assaults. He had pleaded not guilty to all charges, but the jury didn’t believe him.
Since being told that he may soon be moved to an open prison, giving him the ability to spend days out in the community, Glitter is reported to be pleased. This comes as he is now deemed to be of “low risk” to the public.
Comedian Jim Davidson came under fire on social media last week when he said that Gary Glitter is ‘ready to start a new life’ and is ‘remorseful’. This 77-year-old paedophile has been remorseful before, hasn’t he?
Lie detector tests for paedophiles
As polygraph examiners we welcomed the mandatory introduction of lie detector tests for the monitoring of serious sex offenders, including paedophiles. What we hope is that Gary Glitter will be subject to them on a very regular basis. Considering his background and atrocious criminal behaviour how he can be deemed of ‘low risk’ is beyond our comprehension.
We see almost daily, the devastation that child sexual abuse wreaks on victims. It causes deep emotional and physical scars from which many never recover. Survivors never forget what has happened to them.
Paedophilia
Paedophiles can come up with a myriad of excuses to justify their behaviour. None of them are valid when it means a child will be damaged for life. Celebrities such as the Gary Glitters of this world use their popularity and money to indulge in this disgusting practice. Self gratification does not trump the human rights of children.
It is our view that paedophiles should be punished to the fullest extent of the law. And every day of a 16 year sentence should be served. In this way we know that at least for the duration of their sentences kids are safe from them.
It’s our job to protect our children because without them there can be no future. For this reason, and many others we sponsor The Maggie Oliver Foundation for its excellent work in helping survivors of childhood sexual abuse.
