Jim Davidson says that convicted paedophile Gary Glitter is ‘remorseful’ and is ‘ready to start a new life’.
The controversial comedian was asked for his thoughts on reports that the disgraced musician, whose real name is Paul Gadd, could be transferred to an open prison ‘within weeks’.
Gadd was sentenced to 16 years in jail in 2015 after the 77-year-old was found guilty for abusing three young girls between 1975 and 1980.
He has previously been convicted for possessing child pornography and sexually abusing two girls, aged 10 and 11, in Vietnam.
It has been claimed that prison chiefs are currently assessing whether or not he is a ‘low risk of harm to the public’.
In an interview with Dorset Echo, Davidson said that he recently met Gadd at his current prison.
He said: “I spoke to Paul when I visited The Verne two years ago. He’s remorseful and he looked ready to start a new life.”
The controversial comedian was slammed for his comments over social media.
He received a tirade of abuse for suggesting the convicted paedophile could be rehabilitated.
Davidson was formerly involved with organisation Care for Combat which provides support to former and serving armed personnel within the justice system.
The charity, which was co-founded by Davidson, has helped inmates held at Gadd’s prison.
In the same interview, Davidson said: “I’m not part of the charity anymore, but it’s a great organisation which has helped offenders, including those at HMP Portland and The Verne.”
Our partner title The Mirror reported that Paul Gadd could be moved to an open prison - which could see him go in day release and work in the community.
His 16-year sentence could also come to an end early, with a full release potentially following in 2023.
One of his victims, who was abused in Vietnam when she was 10-years-old, said that Gadd should never been freed.
