X Factor star whose rendition of Spandau Ballet’s Gold went viral in court accused of rape and indecent assault
AN X Factor contestant whose rendition of Spandau Ballet’s Gold went viral has appeared in court today charged with a spate of rapes. Phillip Blackwell, 55, appeared at Warwickshire Magistrates’ Court accused of seven historical sexual offences. The charges include four counts of rape and attempted rape, all in the late 1990s. Blackwell, from Launceston, […]
AN X Factor contestant whose rendition of Spandau Ballet’s Gold went viral has appeared in court today charged with a spate of rapes.
Phillip Blackwell, 55, appeared at Warwickshire Magistrates’ Court accused of seven historical sexual offences.
The charges include four counts of rape and attempted rape, all in the late 1990s. Blackwell, from Launceston, Cornwall, is also accused of indecent assault.
He was remanded in custody to appear at Warwickshire Crown Court at a later date.
Blackwell first appeared on television back in 2008 and gave one of X Factor’s most bizarre auditions.
The former classroom supervisor ended his version of Spandau Ballet’s hit Gold by singing the last note for almost 30 seconds.
He later accused Girls Aloud singer Cheryl of backing Simon Cowell’s decision to kick him off the show.
He said: “Louis loved me but Simon didn’t so it was left to Cheryl. I knew she wouldn’t have the guts to go against Simon. She’s gutless.”
Blackwell is accused of raping a woman in Yardley, Birmingham, on February 9, 1997, and the rape of a woman in Selly Oak, Birmingham, on November 22, 1997.
He is alleged to have raped a woman twice in Weddington, Nuneaton, on May 30 1998.
X FACTOR STAR IN COURT
Blackwell is further accused of indecent assault in Bournville, Birmingham, on December 21, 1997, and the attempted rape of a 20-year-old woman in Frankley, Birmingham, February 3, 1998.
District judge Lesley Mottram remanded Blackwell in custody. He spoke only to confirm his name, address and nationality. No application for bail was made.
Ms Mottram told him: “I have to send these matters to the crown court. I send you to Coventry and Warwickshire Crown Court, sitting in Leamington, where you will next appear on February 24.”
MOST READ IN NEWS
A spokesman for Warwickshire Police said: “Following a joint investigation between Warwickshire and West Midlands Police, Warwickshire Police have charged a man with a number of rapes and other sexual offences which took place in Nuneaton and Birmingham in the late 1990s.
Phillip Blackwell, 55, of Western Road, Launceston, Cornwall, was arrested on Wednesday, 22 January, and was charged with four counts of rape, an attempted rape and an indecent assault.
“This investigation continues, if you wish to speak to the Police please call Warwickshire Police on 101 quoting log 253 of 26/01/20.”