Gary Glitter to appeal against jail sentence

Disgraced pop idol Gary Glitter is to appeal against his three-year prison sentence for sexually abusing two young girls in Vietnam.

The star’s lawyer Le Thanh Kinh said he had met Glitter at Phuoc Co prison, where the 61-year-old had signed appeal papers.

Earlier this month (March 3), a court found that Glitter, real name Paul Gadd, had molested the girls, aged 11 and 12, at his home in southern Vietnam.

Speaking after his meeting with Glitter, his lawyer told the BBC: "He told me he was innocent so he has to appeal to clear this matter."

In addition to his prison sentence, Glitter was ordered to pay 5m Vietnamese dong (£180/$315) to his victims' families.

Glitter may be considered for release after serving a third of his sentence. On his eventual release, the former glam star will be deported and could face more charges. Although he will definitely be deported, it is not guaranteed that he will return to his native UK.

After his conviction, the former rock star insisted he was innocent and said the "unbelievable" verdict was part of a "conspiracy" by British newspapers.