Glitter told to pay £508k in damages to victim of abuse

A woman who was abused by paedophile glam rock star Gary Glitter has been awarded £508,800 in damages from the disgraced musician.

- AMY-CLARE MARTIN

A judge ruled the “‘I’m the Leader of the Gang (I Am)” singer, whose real name is Paul Gadd, must pay one of his victims the sum following his 2015 conviction for historic sexual abuse. She previously secured a “default judgment” in her claim – a ruling in her favour over Glitter’s liability – after she and two other schoolgirls were targeted by the rocker between 1975 and 1980.

The judge said in a 13-page ruling yesterday: “There is no doubt that the claimant was subject to sexual abuse of the most serious kind by the defendant when she was only 12 years old and that has had very significant adverse impact on the rest of her life.” Ms Justice Tipples said the six-figure-sum includes £381,000 in lost earnings and £7,800 for future therapy and treatment. The judge said the woman should also be paid interest on the damages of around £84,000.

At a hearing in March, the woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, revealed she has been unable to work for several decades as a result of the abuse. Her bid included a claim for £20,000 per year for 40 years, covering the time she has been unable to work.