Former pop star Gary Glitter, real name Paul Gadd, is reported to be gravely ill while serving time at HMP Channings Wood in Devon.
Sources say the 81-year-old is largely immobile and hard of hearing, often using a wheelchair and spending most of his day confined to his cell.
Insiders told the press he is held on a Vulnerable Prisoners Unit for his own protection, reportedly spending up to 23 hours a day apart from the general prison population.
Those sources also claimed other inmates view him unfavourably and that he is kept separate because he would not be safe on a regular wing.
The Prison Service declined to comment on individual prisoners.
Gadd was sentenced to 16 years in 2015 after being convicted of abusing three schoolgirls between 1975 and 1980.
He was released in February 2023 after serving half that term.
He returned to custody six weeks later after allegedly using a smartphone in a bail hostel to access videos of young girls, a breach of his licence.
Bail was refused in February 2024 amid concerns he remained a risk to children.
A Parole Board panel refused his release following a paper review on June 17, 2025, concluding the risk he posed could not be safely managed in the community.
The board said decisions focus on public safety and carefully weigh the original offences, any behaviour change and the impact on victims.
Anyone affected by sexual violence can find support and information at Rape Crisis (rapecrisis.org.uk) or by calling the national helpline on 0808 802 9999.
This is a developing story and further updates may follow.
