The Execution of Gary Glitter

The Execution of Gary Glitter is a ninety-minute mockumentary, produced by Juniper Communications Limited and broadcast on Channel 4 in the UK, which follows an imaginary trial and execution by hanging of former glam rock singer-songwriter Gary Glitter, who has been convicted for possession of child pornography and sex with minors, for "offences against children". The programme was written, produced, and directed by Rob Coldstream, and was broadcast on 9 November 2009.

Though intended to open debate on hanging and capital punishment in the UK, the programme was poorly received and the choice of celebrity accused led to a complaint being registered with Ofcom by Glitter (which was later dismissed.)

Set in an imaginary Britain in which the death sentence has been reintroduced, the drama examines the possible outcomes of Glitter being the first to be put on trial under the imagined "Capital Crimes Act", shortly after its inception and his simultaneous extradition to the UK from Vietnam after serving three years there for sex offences. Glitter applies for entry to Hong Kong and Thailand, but is forced to return to the UK, where he is to be charged with rape and to stand trial as a paedophile for "category one sex offences" committed whilst abroad.

Glitter meets his lawyer after returning and being arrested. He is informed of the possibility of either the case being dismissed or won due to the newness of the laws, and because they were committed abroad. He is suddenly shocked into reality when he is informed of the change in UK laws, and that the ultimate sentence he may face is death. A history of the campaign to bring back capital punishment is shown from its inception in 2004, as well as interviews with the public and people in positions of responsibility and their attitudes towards capital punishment.

Glitter continuously proclaims his innocence, the public cry for justice and his death, while the media rake through his previous charges and history of offences. His trial goes ahead after an appeal for dismissal is denied. The evidence of the alleged offences is shown, as well as Glitter's statements to the police, and witnesses give their evidence, including Glitter himself. Glitter is found guilty, and the debate over sentencing begins. Glitter is told there are no mitigating circumstances shown, and he is sentenced to death within 30 days. Glitter maintains his innocence, and ironically finds himself back in the charts just before he is executed, though the song turns out to be a mocking remix of one of his hit songs combined with a leaked recording of his own words from his trial speech. The film ends shortly after Glitter is hanged.

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