Married BBC stars dubbed 'the Richard and Judy of radio' appear in court charged with sex offences against four boys in the 1990s

  • Tony and Julie Wadsworth worked for BBC Radio Leicester and BBC WM
  • He is accused of five counts of inciting a boy under the age of 16 to commit an act of gross indecency
  • Wife is charged with seven counts of the same offence
  • Couple to appear in front of a Crown Court judge next month 

By LUCY CROSSLEY FOR MAILONLINE

Published: | Updated:

Married BBC presenters dubbed the 'Richard and Judy of radio' have appeared before magistrates today accused of committing a series of sex offences against four boys in the 1990s.

Couple Tony and Julie Wadsworth, who have both worked for BBC Radio Leicester and Birmingham-based BBC WM, were charged by Warwickshire Police earlier this year.

Both broadcasters spoke only to confirm their names and address during a five-minute hearing in Leamington Spa.

Couple Tony and Julie Wadsworth, who have both worked for BBC Radio Leicester and Birmingham-based BBC WM, were charged by Warwickshire Police earlier this year
The married presenters have been dubbed the 'Richard and Judy of radio'

Married BBC presenters Tony and Julie Wadsworth (pictured left, today, and right in a publicity shot) have appeared before magistrates today accused of committing a series of sex offences against boys in the 1990s

Tony Wadsworth, 68, of Broughton Astley, Leicestershire, who wore a blue suit and flowery tie in the dock, is charged with five counts of inciting a boy under the age of 16 to commit an act of gross indecency.

His wife, aged 58 and also of Broughton Astley, is charged with seven counts of the same offence. She was also smartly dressed in a black suit.

The offences are alleged to have been committed between 1995 and 1999 in Warwickshire.

Neither defendant was asked to indicate any plea during the hearing at Warwickshire Justice Centre, where the couple will reappear before a Crown Court judge on June 10. 

The couple's home in Broughton Astley, Leicestershire. Tony Wadsworth, 68, is charged with five counts of inciting a boy under the age of 16 to commit an act of gross indecency. His wife, 58, is charged with seven counts of the same offence

The couple's home in Broughton Astley, Leicestershire. Tony Wadsworth, 68, is charged with five counts of inciting a boy under the age of 16 to commit an act of gross indecency. His wife, 58, is charged with seven counts of the same offence

The BBC confirmed in April that the charges do not relate to the presenters' positions with the corporation

The BBC confirmed in April that the charges do not relate to the presenters' positions with the corporation

The couple also face a charge of outraging public decency 'by behaving in an indecent manner' between January 1994 and January 1996.

They were ordered to stand down from any active charity work involving people under the age of 18, and not to have any unsupervised contact with anyone under 18 other than family members. 

Magistrates granted conditional bail to both presenters, who left the court without comment. 

Five of the charges against Tony Wadsworth allege that he incited boys 'under the age of 16 to commit an act of gross indecency with yourself and another, namely Julie Wadsworth'.

The charges against Mrs Wadsworth - who uses the surname Mayer on air - include five counts alleging that she incited boys to commit acts with herself and her husband.

The BBC confirmed in April that the charges do not relate to the presenters' positions with the corporation. 

BBC

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