Tim Westwood Former BBC DJ Denies Rape and Assault Allegations
Tim Westwood, a former BBC Radio 1 DJ, is facing serious allegations, as he has denied multiple charges of rape and sexual assault. The 68-year-old Westwood is accused of offenses against seven women, some as young as 17, spanning from 1983 to 2016.
Allegations Against Tim Westwood
At Southwark Crown Court, Westwood pleaded not guilty to:
- Four counts of rape
- Nine counts of indecent assault
- Two counts of sexual assault
The court heard that these allegations include incidents where Westwood is accused of raping women and touching them without consent. Three of these alleged indecent assaults took place at BBC Studios in 1996.
Court Proceedings
On Monday, Tim Westwood appeared in court wearing a black hooded coat. He confirmed his identity while standing in the glass dock during the arraignment on all 15 counts. Westwood was granted bail with conditions prohibiting contact with the complainants.
A pre-trial review is scheduled for December next year, and Judge Tony Baumgartner set a provisional trial date for January 25, 2027.
Details of Allegations
According to the Metropolitan Police, the timeline of the alleged offenses includes:
- 1983: Indecent assault of a 17-year-old girl in Fulham, London
- 1986: Indecent assault of a woman in her 20s in Vauxhall, London
- 1995-1996: Rape and indecent assault of a woman aged 17-18 in London
- 2000-2001: Rape and indecent assault of another woman aged 17-18
- 2010: Rape of a woman in her 20s in London
- 2010: Sexual assault of a woman in her 20s in Stroud, Gloucestershire
- 2016: Sexual assault of a woman in her 20s in Finchley, London
BBC’s Response and Westwood’s Background
The BBC Board has faced criticism, admitting it did not take adequate action upon receiving concerns regarding Westwood’s behavior. In the past, he has publicly denied all allegations of inappropriate conduct.
Tim Westwood ended his tenure at Capital Xtra in April 2022. He previously hosted shows on Radio 1 and Radio 1Xtra for nearly two decades, leaving these stations in 2013. He is also known for presenting the UK version of the show Pimp My Ride from 2005 to 2007.
Born to the late Bill Westwood, a former Anglican bishop of Peterborough, Tim Westwood’s legacy faces serious scrutiny in light of these allegations.
Support for Victims
Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy emphasized the courage it takes for victims to come forward with allegations of this nature. He assured that the police will continue to support the women who have placed their trust in the system.
