Glitter: no child rape charge
2005-12-27 14:01
Hanoi - Former British glam rocker Gary Glitter will not face charges of child rape in Vietnam, but he could soon be tried for "obscene acts with children".
On Monday, Glitter's lawyer, Le Thanh Kinh, said Glitter was not charged with rape because "maybe they did not find enough evidence".
Kinh said: "Up until now, the accusation has not changed. It is still one of obscene acts with children. The investigation will end pretty soon. I think a trial of the case will be held at the earliest."
Earlier, Vietnamese prosecutors had said the 1970s icon could be prosecuted for child rape if they could prove he had sex with a girl under the age of 13 - a charge that carries the death penalty.
The 61-year-old Brit, whose real name is Paul Francis Gadd, was arrested at Ho Chi Minh City airport on November 19 as he tried to leave Vietnam for Thailand.
He has been placed in temporary detention for three months.
According to Vietnamese police, Glitter has admitted an 11-year-old girl spent the night at his house earlier this year.
He has denied having sex with her.
Another claim, that Glitter had sex with a 12-year-old, is still under investigation.
Glitter has served prison time in Britain after he was found with a massive collection of hardcore child pornography.