Former BBC Radio 1 DJ Tim Westwood has been charged with multiple counts of rape and sexual assault following allegations from seven women, some of whom were as young as 17 at the time of the alleged offences.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that the 68-year-old broadcaster, from Westminster, faces four counts of rape, nine counts of indecent assault, and two counts of sexual assault. The alleged incidents took place between 1983 and 2016 across London and Gloucestershire.
Westwood is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 10 November.
Alleged Offences Span More Than Three Decades
According to police, Westwood is accused of indecently assaulting a 17-year-old girl in Fulham in 1983 and a woman in her 20s in Vauxhall in 1986.
He also allegedly raped and indecently assaulted a woman aged between 17 and 18 in London between 1995 and 1996, and another woman aged 17 to 18 between 2000 and 2001.
Further charges include the alleged rape of a woman in her 20s in 2010, as well as alleged sexual assaults in Stroud, Gloucestershire, and Finchley, London, between 2010 and 2016.
CPS Statement and Ongoing Police Investigation
Chief Crown Prosecutor Lionel Idan said the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) had decided to prosecute Westwood for “a series of serious sexual offences.”
“Our prosecutors have established that there is sufficient evidence to bring the case to trial and that it is in the public interest to pursue criminal proceedings,” Idan said.
The CPS reminded the public that criminal proceedings are now active, and the defendant has the right to a fair trial, warning against any reporting or commentary that could prejudice the case.
Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy urged anyone with further information to contact police, commending the courage of the women who came forward.
“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,” he said.
Westwood, who left BBC Radio 1 and 1Xtra in 2013 after nearly 20 years and stepped down from Capital Xtra in April 2022, has previously denied all allegations of inappropriate behaviour.
A previous BBC review concluded that the broadcaster “did not take adequate action” after concerns about Westwood’s conduct were raised.
Anyone with information is urged to contact police by emailing
CIT@met.police.uk or calling 101, quoting 4672/09OCT25.
Support is available via the independent charity Rape Crisis by calling the 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line on 0808 500 2222.
