Convicted paedophile pop star Gary Glitter is reportedly "on his last legs" in prison, with sources describing him as barely able to move and spending up to 23 hours a day alone in his cell. The 81-year-old, whose real name is Paul Gadd, is said to be wheelchair-bound, almost totally deaf, and increasingly distressed as he faces mounting financial and legal troubles behind bars.
Health and Confinement in Prison
Gary Glitter is currently being held on a Vulnerable Prisoner Unit at HMP Channings Wood in Devon for his own safety, after being recalled to custody in March 2023 following concerns over his behaviour at a bail hostel. Sources claim fellow inmates believe he is unlikely to be released and will die in prison, with his sentence running until 2031.
An insider told the Sun: "He is deaf and can barely move - and most people would struggle to recognise him now. He seems to be on his last legs, with his body giving up. And if he doesn't get parole soon most officers and inmates think he will see out his days in jail."
Legal and Financial Struggles
The latest claims come as Gadd faces an ongoing legal battle over his finances, after being declared bankrupt last year for failing to pay more than £500,000 in compensation to one of his victims. A recent insolvency hearing was held under his real name at Bristol County Court, with trustees now able to pursue assets including his £2million London penthouse.
Despite his frailty, he remains on an "enhanced" prison regime, giving him access to a television, phone calls, and a weekly allowance for the canteen. However, sources say he is largely confined to his cell, where staff bring him meals as he is too infirm to attend activities or classes.
Prison Conditions and Monitoring
The insider added: "He is on a relaxed regime which means he can sit in his cell all day watching Freeview TV and DVDs. Because of who he is, everything is carefully monitored though. He is in a single cell with its own toilet, sink, and phone."
Criminal History and Parole Refusal
Gadd was first jailed in 1999 after thousands of indecent images of children were discovered on his computer, and later convicted of sexually abusing young girls in both Vietnam and the UK. His most recent sentence - a 16-year term for sexually abusing three schoolgirls between 1975 and 1980 - saw him released automatically halfway through in February 2023.
However, within weeks he was returned to custody after he began exhibiting concerning behaviour, including discussions about internet access and evidence he had been viewing inappropriate material. He was refused parole last year after a panel concluded he still had an "uncontrolled interest" in young girls.
Deflection of Blame and Media Concerns
A report also found he continued to deflect blame, stating: "Gadd has been reluctant to engage with group work because he feared information may be passed to the media. The board noted Gadd continued to blame the media for much of what happened to him."
A Prison Service spokesman said: "We cannot comment on individuals."
