Ex-Radio 1 DJ Chris Denning charged with 41 sex offences

Mr Denning also worked as a music producer

Former BBC Radio 1 DJ Chris Denning has been charged with 41 sexual offences, the Metropolitan Police has said.

The alleged offences, dating from 1967 to 1985, are related to 22 boys aged nine to 16.

Mr Denning was one of the original Radio 1 team when the station was launched in 1967.

He was initially arrested under Operation Yewtree in June 2013 and will appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Friday.

Mr Denning, who is in his early 70s, was also the first announcer heard on BBC 2 when the television channel took to the air in 1964.

He worked as a music producer for The Beatles and helped launch the Bay City Rollers. He also ran his own music and video production business.

Baljit Ubhey, London chief Crown Prosecutor, said: "The decision to prosecute has been taken in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors and Crown Prosecution Service legal guidance on rape and child sexual abuse.

Chris Denning was a member of the team which launched Radio 1

"We have determined that there is sufficient evidence for a realistic prospect of conviction and that a prosecution is in the public interest."

Prosecutors found that there was not enough evidence to prosecute in connection with three further alleged victims.

Mr Denning is the fifth person to be prosecuted as part of Operation Yewtree.