Former Radio 1 DJ Tim Westwood charged with four counts of rape and sexual offences against seven women
Former Radio 1 DJ Tim Westwood has been charged with sexual offences against seven women, including four counts of rape.
Confirmed by the Metropolitan Police today (9 October), the alleged offences are believed to have taken place between 1983 and 2016.
The full list of alleged offences made against Westwood is as follows:
- An indecent assault on a 17-year-old girl in the Fulham area of London in 1983;
- A sexual assault on a woman in her 20s in the Vauxhall area of London in 1986;
- The rape of a female aged between 17-18 in London between 1995-1996 and a sexual assault on the same woman in central London within the same timeframe.
- The rape and sexual assault of a female between the age of 17-18 in London between 2000-2001;
- The rape of a woman in her 20s in London in 2010;
- The sexual assault of a woman in her 20s in Stroud in 2010;
- The sexual assault of a woman in her 20s in the Finchley area of London in 2016.
The 68-year-old is expected to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 11 November.
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Westwood began his career in radio in the 1980s, moving to BBC Radio 1 in 1994, with his shows highlighting rap and hip-hop artists. He also presented shows on Radio 1Xtra from 2009 until 2012. His work won him recognition from Sony Radio and the MOBO Awards.
He left the BBC after 20 years on air in 2013, moving to present a show on Capital Xtra.
Outside of radio, Westwood also worked as a TV presenter, most notably on MTV's UK edition of Pimp My Ride.
Confirming the charges against Westwood in a statement, Metropolitan Police Service Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy said: "It takes courage to come forward and report allegations of this nature.
"The women who have done so have put their trust in us and we continue to provide them with all available support."
He continued: "Our investigation remains open and we’d encourage anyone who has been impacted by this case, or anyone with information, to come forward and speak with us.
"A dedicated team of investigators is available via email at [email protected]. Any reports will be dealt with in the strictest confidence by specialist officers.
"Support is also available by contacting the independent charity, Rape Crisis at 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line."
If you have been affected by any of the issues in this article and wish to speak to someone in confidence, contact The Survivors Trust for free on 08088 010 818, available 10am-12.30pm, 1.30pm-3pm and 6pm-8pm Monday to Thursday, 10am-12.30pm and 1.30pm-3pm on Fridays, 10am-12.30pm on Saturdays and 6pm-8pm on Sundays.
Brenna Cooper