The former BBC Radio 1 DJ, Tim Westwood, appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Monday, November 10, following charges filed against him for rape and sexual assault. The 68-year-old broadcaster faces accusations related to offenses against seven women, including three counts of indecent assault allegedly occurring at the BBC studios during the 1990s. The charges further detail an allegation of rape against a woman at a London hotel in 1996, and a sexual assault accusation stemming from a music festival in the city approximately two decades later, reports The WP Times with reference to Dailystar.
Westwood, who recently returned to the UK from Nigeria, was present in the dock wearing a dark grey shirt and a £2,400 Dior puffer jacket. He spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth, and address. The court was informed that the DJ has participated in five voluntary police interviews since the investigation into the alleged crimes began.
The total charges against the former BBC DJ include:
- Four counts of rape
- Nine counts of indecent assault
- Two counts of sexual assault
Westwood was not required to enter pleas for any of the charges at this stage. Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring granted him bail under the condition that he refrain from contacting prosecution witnesses. His next court appearance is scheduled for Southwark Crown Court on December 8.
Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy previously praised the women who came forward, stating that it "takes courage to come forward and report allegations of this nature," and assured that the investigation remains open.
The BBC Board issued an apology after an internal review concluded that the corporation "did not take adequate action" upon learning of previous concerns regarding the hip hop DJ’s alleged conduct. Westwood, who presented the MTV UK show Pimp My Ride UK from 2005 to 2007, has consistently and "strongly denie[d] all allegations of inappropriate behaviour." He stepped down from his role at Capital Xtra in April 2022 and left his long-standing position at Radio 1 and Radio 1Xtra in 2013 after nearly 20 years with the BBC.
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