Former BBC Radio 1 DJ Tim Westwood has appeared in court facing serious charges of rape and sexual assault. The 68-year-old, known for his influential role in the UK hip-hop scene, is charged with 15 offences involving seven women, with incidents allegedly occurring over a span of more than three decades.

Court Appearance and Charges

Westwood attended a hearing at Westminster Magistrates' Court, where he was granted bail under the condition that he does not contact any prosecution witnesses. The charges include four counts of rape, two counts of sexual assault, and nine counts of indecent assault. Notably, three of these alleged indecent assaults took place at BBC studios during the 1990s.

Timeline of Allegations

The charges against Westwood cover a period from 1983 to 2016. Among the allegations, a 17-year-old girl was reportedly indecently assaulted in Fulham in 1983, and a woman in her 20s was allegedly raped in London in 2010. The most recent accusation involves a sexual assault at a London music festival in 2016.

Legal Proceedings and Next Steps

Westwood, who has not yet entered a plea, is scheduled to appear at Southwark Crown Court on December 8 for a plea and trial preparation hearing. The Crown Prosecution Service has emphasized the gravity of the charges, which have drawn significant public and media attention.

Background and Denial of Allegations

Westwood, who began his career on local radio and later became a prominent figure on BBC Radio 1, has consistently denied all allegations of inappropriate behavior. His departure from Capital Xtra in 2022 marked the end of a long and influential career in broadcasting.