Former Radio 1 DJ Tim Westwood charged with four counts of rape

Former BBC and Radio 1 DJ Tim Westwood has been charged with multiple sexual offences, including four counts of rape, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and the Metropolitan Police said on Thursday. The charges relate to alleged non-recent offences involving seven women that are said to have occurred between 1983 and 2016. Westwood, 68, has been summoned to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court in November. 

Detectives working on the investigation authorised the CPS to bring charges after reviewing a file submitted by the Metropolitan Police. In total Westwood has been charged with four counts of rape, nine counts of indecent assault and two counts of sexual assault, the CPS statement said. The force urged anyone with information to contact officers as the investigation continues. 

The alleged incidents involve seven different women and span more than three decades, police and prosecutors said. Authorities emphasised the historic nature of the allegations and noted that the youngest alleged victim is reported to have been 17 at the time of one incident. Westwood has not been found guilty; the charges are allegations that will be tested in court. 

The developments follow earlier reporting and inquiries into Westwood’s behaviour. An independent BBC-commissioned review and previous investigative reporting by national outlets led to scrutiny of how complaints and concerns were handled by broadcasters; the BBC has faced criticism and said it fell short in recognising patterns of behaviour. Westwood has previously denied wrongdoing. 

Reaction from the criminal justice authorities highlighted the sensitivity of historic sexual offence prosecutions. A senior CPS official said prosecutors had concluded there was sufficient evidence to prosecute and that it was in the public interest to do so. Police and support organisations reiterated resources available to victims and called for anyone with relevant information to come forward. 

What happens next

Westwood is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court in November, where the charges will be read and the next steps in the prosecution set out. As is standard, reporting restrictions and legal safeguards around commentary that could prejudice the trial may apply while the case progresses.