A former BBC Radio presenter once popular on the airwaves across the East Midlands is facing more than 30 criminal charges relating to alleged sexual offences against both children and adults over an 18-year period.
Brian Shuttlewood, 79, hosted programmes on BBC Radio Leicester between 1978 and 1995, and also on Radio Nottingham, Derby and Lincoln.
He stands accused of multiple counts of indecent assault, rape, gross indecency, and offences involving cruelty towards children.
The alleged crimes are said to have occurred in Leicester between 1972 and 1990, meaning some accusations predate his employment with the broadcaster.
Shuttlewood, who resides at Margaret Villas on Beards Road in Newhall, Derbyshire has entered not guilty pleas to every allegation brought against him.
His trial at Leicester Crown Court was scheduled to commence on January 6, however, concerns around his health saw the court appearance rescheduled.
The charges involve four individuals who are entitled to lifelong anonymity as alleged victims under legal protections.
Among the accusations Shuttlewood faces is an allegation that he possessed extreme pornographic images, which he has also denied.
The offences he is charged with span from 1972 to 1990, with prosecutors alleging the crimes took place within Leicester throughout this period. The allegations against him cover a period that both predates and overlaps with his time working for the national broadcaster.
The 79-year-old has maintained his innocence throughout proceedings, denying all accusations put before the court.
Judge Herbert, who is presiding over the case, adjourned the trial scheduled for January following the medical issues being raised.
A further hearing has been scheduled for Tuesday, February 17, at which point the court will receive an update on Shuttlewood’s condition.
The former broadcaster remains on conditional bail whilst awaiting the next stage of proceedings.
The adjournment means the case against the 79-year-old, who faces accusations spanning nearly two decades, remains unresolved as legal proceedings await clarity on whether he is fit to stand trial.
During his 15-year tenure at the BBC, his flagship programme, The Rocker Returns, earned him a dedicated following among listeners, as did The Brian Shuttlewood Music Programme.
Shuttlewood gained the nickname “The Big Bopper” owing to his specialisation in rock ‘n’ roll music from the 1950s and 1960s.
His broadcasting career with the corporation spanned from 1978 until 1995, during which time he established himself as a popular presenter in the region.
