The Metropolitan Police have charged former BBC DJ Tim Westwood with multiple sexual offenses, following allegations that span over three decades.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) confirmed that Westwood faces nine counts of indecent assault, two counts of sexual assault, and four counts of rape. The alleged crimes involve seven women and occurred between 1983 and 2016.
According to the BBC, the youngest alleged victim was 17 years old at the time of the 1983 assault in Fulham, London. Prosecutors also accuse Westwood of raping and sexually abusing a teenage girl between 1995 and 1996, and of sexually assaulting a woman in her 20s in Vauxhall in 1986.
Between 2000 and 2001, he allegedly raped and assaulted another woman aged 17 to 18, and in 2010, reportedly raped a woman in her 20s. Authorities have also accused 68-year-old Westwood of sexually assaulting two women, one in Finchley, London in 2016, and another in Stroud, Gloucestershire in 2010.
Westwood denies all accusations. His representative stated that he “strongly rejects all allegations of wrongdoing” when the initial claims surfaced in April 2022.
Chief Crown Prosecutor Lionel Idan said prosecutors found sufficient evidence to bring the case to trial, emphasizing that pursuing the charges serves the public interest.
“Our prosecutors have established that there is sufficient evidence to bring the case to trial and that it is in the public interest,” Idan said.
“The defendant has the right to a fair trial, and it’s crucial to avoid commentary or online discussions that could prejudice proceedings.”
Detective Superintendent Andy Murphy urged more witnesses to come forward, saying the investigation remains ongoing.
“We’d encourage anyone affected by this case or with information to contact us,” Murphy said.
Westminster Magistrates’ Court has scheduled Westwood to appear on November 10.
The DJ began his broadcasting career on local radio before joining Capital Radio in the late 1980s. He moved to the BBC in 1994, where he hosted shows on Radio 1 and 1Xtra for nearly 20 years.
Known as The Big Dawg, Tim Westwood later joined Capital Xtra, remaining there until 2022, when he left amid public allegations.
