Former British pop star Gary Glitter was charged Thursday with eight sexual offenses against two teenage girls more than three decades ago.
According to the Associated Press, the 70-year-old singer, whose real name is Paul Gadd, was arrested in October 2012 - the first arrest in a series of arrests under the Operation Yewtree national investigation, which was launched in the wake of a child abuse scandal against the late BBC entertainer Jimmy Savile.
Savile was believed to be one of Britain's most prolific sexual predators. After being arrested Glitter was released on police bail. The charges against Glitter are related to two women - then aged 12 and 14 -- who accused the rock star of sexual assault between 1977 and 1980.
"Having completed our review, we have concluded ... that there is sufficient evidence and it is in the public interest for Mr Gadd to be charged with eight offenses," Chief Crown Prosecutor Baljit Ubhey said in a statement.
The Crown Prosecution Office said Glitter was charged with six counts of indecent assault, one count of administering a drug to facilitate sexual intercourse and one count of sexual intercourse with a girl under age 13
Glitter rose to fame in the early 1970s with the hit "Rock and Roll (Part 2)" and became one of the leading figures in the "glam-rock" music fashion. He is known for his flamboyant clothes and performing style.
His career took a negative turn after being convicted on child abuse charges in Vietnam. In 1999, Glitter admitted possessing child pornography and was jailed for four months.
Glitter is scheduled to appear in court in London on June 19.