Tim Westwood, the once-ubiquitous voice of British radio and television, appeared in court this week, facing a barrage of serious allegations. The former BBC Radio 1 DJ and presenter of “Pimp My Ride UK” entered a plea of not guilty to fifteen charges – four counts of rape, nine of indecent assault, and two of sexual assault.
The courtroom was a stark contrast to the vibrant world Westwood once commanded. He arrived in a black cab, quickly ushered inside, and stood silently in the glass dock, hands clasped, as the charges were formally read. This appearance marked his first at Southwark Crown Court, following an earlier hearing where he was granted conditional bail.
The accusations span decades, painting a disturbing picture of alleged misconduct stretching from 1983 to 2016. Among the charges are claims of indecent assault dating back to 1996, allegedly occurring within the walls of BBC Studios – a location synonymous with his long career.
Details emerging from the court reveal specific allegations: indecently assaulting a 17-year-old girl in Fulham in 1983, and a woman in her twenties in Vauxhall in 1986. A London hotel is cited as the location for an alleged rape in 1996, while further accusations involve incidents in the early 2000s and 2010s at London addresses.
The allegations extend beyond London, including a claim of sexual assault at a nightclub in Stroud, Gloucestershire, in 2010. Westwood has previously issued a strong denial of “all allegations of inappropriate behaviour,” but now faces a legal battle to defend himself against these specific charges.
Westwood’s career trajectory has been remarkable. The son of a former Anglican bishop, he rose to prominence as a DJ, spending nearly two decades at the BBC before departing in 2013. He became a household name, known for his energetic style and influence on the UK music scene.
His departure from Capital Xtra in April 2022 followed mounting scrutiny. The investigation, led by the Metropolitan Police, remains active, with authorities urging anyone with information or who has been impacted to come forward. They emphasize a commitment to providing support and handling all reports with the utmost confidentiality.
Detectives have established a dedicated email address, CIT@met.police.uk, for anyone wishing to share information. The police statement underscores the courage required to report such allegations and reaffirms their dedication to supporting those who have come forward.
