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Artist News Legal
Roy Harper charged with child abuse
By Andy Malt | Published on Monday 18 November 2013
Folk singer Roy Harper has been charged with sexually abusing a young girl between 1975 and 1977. The girl was twelve at the start of the alleged abuse.
The prolific singer-songwriter was an influence on the likes of The Smiths and Jimmy Page, with the latter guesting on his 1971 album ‘Stormcock’. Harper has also recorded with Kate Bush and Pink Floyd, amongst others.
A summons was first issued by West Mercia Police, who are investigating the case, last month, though Ireland-based Harper was also questioned by officers about the allegations at Heathrow Airport back in February. He is now due in court later today.
A spokesman for West Mercia Police told reporters: “The summons relates to two counts of unlawful sexual intercourse with a girl under thirteen, three counts of indecent assault on a girl under fourteen and four counts of gross indecency with a girl under fourteen. The charges are in connection with offences alleged to have taken place in Herefordshire between 1975 and 1977 and relate to one victim”.
