Should Gary Glitter be Allowed to Travel?

(Posted on 25/11/11)

Gary Glitter, the one-time glam rocker, was recently granted freedom to travel internationally after a foreign travel ban was lifted Glitter, whose real name is Paul Francis Gadd, was convicted in 1999 in the UK for having images of child sex abuse in his possession. More recently, he spent three years in a Vietnamese prison for sexually assaulting two girls. In mid 2008, he returned the UK where he’s been under a travel ban since. Police opted to not request an extension of the ban.

Glitter had at least twenty five singles in the 1970s, 1980s and into the mid-1990s. In fact, one of his Christmas songs, Another Rock ‘n Roll Christmas, remains one of the most recognized holiday songs in the country.

Despite his success in the UK, Glitter was never able to make the transition in America, where, at best, glam rock was seen as a curiosity. He had a few semi-hits, though never enjoyed the popularity he had in the UK.

Of course, the welcome mat has been rolled in as far as many are concerned.

For now, though, Glitter must still check in with law enforcement and remains on the sexual offenders list. Also, if his travel is expected to extend past ninety days, he must first secure permission, say his solicitors.

So should Glitter be allowed to roam the world with the same freedom as one who’s never been a danger to children? Did the court make the right decision or was its hands tied? And do sex offenders ever recover or do they continue to commit these brutal crimes on children until they’re caught again? Most research suggests "once an offender, always an offender". Unfortunately, Glitter’s abilities to not reoffend will rest solely on the shoulders of those victims who may now be in danger as a result of this new freedom he enjoys.