X Factor Star Charged With 4 Counts of Rape in Court

Former X Factor contestant, Phillip Blackwell, 55, has appeared in Warwickshire Magistrates Court, facing four counts of rape, one count of attempted rape and indecent assault. 

The superstar wannabe is accused of sexual crimes involving 5 separate women, including rape and sexual assault – during the 1990’s. He appeard in court today to face the charges and was only present to confirm his name, date of birth and nationality. 

No application for bail was made and Blackwell will remain in custody until his next court appearance in February. 

The alleged rapist gained his small amount of fame in 2008 after appearing on ITV show The X Factor. He performed a rendition of Spandau Ballet’s ‘Gold.’ He failed to impress the judges on the panel, which included Simon Cowell, Cheryl Cole and Louis Walsh. Described as a 43-year-old supply teacher at the time, he told the judges: “I think if you get me in the studio, I’ll be able to get albums out there. Its a different act.”

He later claimed: “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.”

After the show, he was able to tour the country with the shows contestants during the X Factor Live events  – performing alongside acts such as JLS and Alexandra Burke. 

The offences are alleged to have taken place in Nuneaton, Warwickshire and Birmingham in the late 1990s – before he appeard on national television. Blackwell was arrested on Wednesday and charged on Sunday with four counts of rape, an attempted rape and an indecent assault.

Blackwell was charged after a joint investigation between Warwickshire and West Midlands Police. The prosecutor, Baldiv Atwal, said: “The nature of the offences are serious in their own right. Mr Blackwell has no previous convictions and is a gentleman of good character.”

(Images: Twitter)

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George Day

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