The court reported that 79-year-old Brian Shuttlewood, a former BBC radio DJ from Newhall, Derbyshire, has died while facing more than 30 charges for non-recent sexual violence. Shuttlewood, known to listeners as “The Big Bopper,” hosted shows on BBC Radio Leicester for nearly two decades. The investigation established that the alleged predatory series of assaults involved four victims and included rape and sex offences against children.
SENTENCING – Leicester Crown Court reported on 12 May 2026 that the case has been discontinued following the defendant’s death. Shuttlewood had previously pleaded not guilty to all charges and was due to stand trial on 5 April 2027. The court heard at a previous hearing that the 79-year-old was suffering from advanced prostate cancer.
OFFENCES – Shuttlewood was charged with more than 30 offences, including several counts of rape, indecent assault, and gross indecency.
OUTCOME – Case discontinued due to the death of the defendant.
NATURE OF OFFENCE – The allegations involved a systematic series of sexual assaults said to have taken place between 1972 and 1990. The prosecution reported that the charges related to four individuals, including alleged sex offences against children, identifying a total abandonment of human decency during his tenure as a high-profile media personality.
LOCATION OF OFFENCES – Leicestershire and Derbyshire.
PROFILE – Brian Shuttlewood, 79. He was a veteran radio host documented as a defendant in a major non-recent child abuse and rape investigation.
UK SEX OFFENDERS REGISTER – Not applicable as the case was discontinued before trial.
COURT PROCEEDINGS – The proceedings were held at Leicester Crown Court.
CRIMINAL RECORD – Shuttlewood died as a charged defendant with no convictions recorded in this case.
ORIGIN OF OFFENDER – The subject was from Newhall, Derbyshire.
QUESTION – Given that “a former radio DJ charged with over thirty offences including child rape died before his trial could commence,” do you believe the law should legally mandate a “Posthumous Fact-Finding Hearing” in cases of high-harm allegations to provide formal closure for victims?
If you or anyone you know has been affected by the individuals highlighted on this website, please report them to the Police on 101 (999 in an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details on reporting a crime. You can also report to Crimestoppers if you wish to remain completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.