Rolf Harris' Once Proud Hometown To Rip Up Tributes To The 'Boy from Bassendean'

The 'Boy from Bassendean' Is No More: Harris' Once Proud Hometown To Rip Up Tributes
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Veteran entertainer Rolf Harris leaves the Southwark Crown Court in London, Monday, June 30, 2014. A jury Monday found Australian-born Harris guilty of 12 counts of indecent assault.The 84-year-old was convicted of indecent assault on four victims aged 19 or under between 1968 and 1986. (AP Photo/Lefteris Pitarakis)
ASSOCIATED PRESS

Tributes to the disgraced entertainer Rolf Harris could be torn down in his home state of Western Australia as police consider new allegations against him.

The 84-year-old was unanimously convicted at Southwark Crown Court yesterday of 12 sex charges involving four women, most while they were under age.

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Police issued Rolf Harris' mugshot after he was convicted on all counts

Harris was once proudly referred to as "the Boy from Bassendean", but now his home town, in Perth, is planning to remove all honours it bestowed on him, including a plaque outside his family home and artworks in council buildings.

The mayor of Perth in Western Australia said the council was considering tearing up a plaque to Harris inlaid in the city's St Georges Terrace.

Lisa Scaffidi told Fairfax radio: "I can't say until the council decision is made but the general feeling around the place is that we don't accept those kind of offences.

"It's a very sad issue and something we need to deal with."

Following the news of his conviction Australian prime minister Tony Abbott told ABC radio: "I feel gutted and dismayed but it's very important that we do everything we humanly can to protect vulnerable young people.

"Sexual abuse is an utterly abhorrent crime.It's just sad and tragic that this person who was admired seems to have been a perpetrator."

The news that tributes to Harris could be removed in Australia comes amid growing pressure for the disgraced entertainer to be stripped of his honours from the Queen.

Harris has already had his Bafta fellowship, awarded two years ago, removed.

A spokesman for the Academy confirmed yesterday that his honour would be removed in light of the conviction.

"The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (Bafta) has made the decision to annul the Bafta fellowship bestowed upon Rolf Harris in 2012 following his conviction," said the spokesman.

Harris was first honoured at the palace in the late 1960s with an MBE, followed by an OBE a decade later, and a CBE in 2006.

While the Cabinet Office said it could not comment on individual cases, normal protocol sees honours from Buckingham Palace forfeited in circumstances where the person is considered to have brought the system into disrepute.

A recommendation can be made by the Honours and Appointments Secretariat to the forfeiture committee to revoke an honour if a person has been found guilty of a criminal offence.

Simon Danczuk, Rochdale MP, called for Harris' honours to be revoked.

"I think it has brought the position into disrepute, I think it is absolutely the right action to take. I think the guy is an absolute disgrace and he is bringing the whole honours system into disrepute," he said.

He called for an "overarching" inquiry into historic child sex abuse.

The decision to revoke an honour must be approved by the Queen.

In 2005, the Queen sat for Harris while he painted a portrait, commissioned by the BBC for television programme The Queen By Rolf, to mark her 80th birthday.

In 2012 Harris took centre-stage as one of the performers at the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations outside the palace.

Ahead of his Bafta Fellowship just a few weeks earlier, he had been described as "one of the world's most iconic entertainers" by the Academy chairman.

Harris said: "I'm hugely honoured and very thrilled."

Harris's portrait of the Queen was on display at the palace during the summer of 2006, to be viewed by members of the public, before being returned to the BBC.

Asked about the whereabouts of the portrait now, a BBC spokesman said: "We've been asked about this before and the position hasn't changed. The BBC does not have this painting in its collection."

Harris faces prison when he is sentenced on Friday for the offences.

Following the verdict police said they would look at fresh allegations that were not part of his trial.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: "We have received a number of new allegations and these are now being considered."

Dozens more alleged victims came forward during the trial, including several in Australia, and Scotland Yard has been in touch with their counterparts in the Australian police.

It is not yet clear whether they are pursuing any investigation in Harris's home country.

Story continues beneath slideshow

Rolf Harris through the ages
Rolf Harris, London 1966(01 of51)
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Australian television entertainer Rolf Harris. (credit:PA)
Rolf Harris with Sylvia Kristel, Miss TV Europe 1973, Elstree Studios(02 of51)
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TV entertainer Rolf Harris, left, and actor Peter Wyngarde flank 20-year-old Dutch model and actress Sylvia Kristel, the new Miss TV Europe 1973, after her election at ATV's Elstree Studios. (credit:PA)
Rolf Harris, London 1969(03 of51)
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Rolf Harris , showing the mounted and inscribed silver heart he received at the Savoy Hotel by the Variety Club of Great Britain for " Joint BBC TV Personality of 1968 " for his Rolf Harris Show . (credit:PA)
Rolf Harris, London 1959(04 of51)
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Australian entertainer and artist, Rolf Harris and his wife Alwen Hughes look at the sculpture "Nude Boy and Wooden Horse" by Douglas Wain Hobson during a Private View Day at the Royal Academy. (credit:PA)
Rolf Harris, London 1979(05 of51)
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Television entertainer, poncho-clad Australian Rolf Harris and his wife, Alwen, on todays arrival at St. Martin-in-the-Field, London, fro the memorial service of David Nixon, the TV entertainer and magician who died three months ago. (credit:PA)
Rolf Harris, London 1971(06 of51)
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Stephen Harries, 16, of Woodlands, Llandarcy Halt, Neath, Glamorgan, who is confined to a wheelchair with muscular dystrophy, considers an ambition fulfilled as Australian entertainer Rolf Harris plays the wobble board specially for him in London today. In the background are Stephen's parents (unnamed) and his sister, Cheryl. (credit:PA)
Rolf Harris, London 1975(07 of51)
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At Olympia today for the National Cat Club Show, Australian entertainer Rolf Harris and his 11 year old daughter Bindi, groom their long-haired tortoise-shell cat 'Fluffybritches' who is entered in the Household Pets Section. (credit:PA)
Rolf Harris, London 1979(08 of51)
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Australian TV star Rolf Harris today launched the Princes Foods "Spread a Little Happiness" campaign on behalf of the International Year of the Child at the Vauxhall City Farm in Lambeth as he put the finishing touches toi a huge mural. Here is is seen with some of the kids from the Lambeth Art Workshops and the local neighbourhood. (credit:PA)
Rolf Harris, London 1971(09 of51)
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The white rhino looks good tempered, and Rolf Harris hopes that amiability is more than skin deep...The entertainer was paying a visit to London Zoo today, especially to take a look at the white rhinos. He has just provided the commentary, with songs, to a new "Survival" documentary programme "It's a Long Way to Umfolozi". (credit:PA)
Rolf Harris and Family - Heathrow Airport, London(10 of51)
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Australian entertainer Rolf Harris with his wife Alwen and three-year-old daughter Bindi at Heathrow Airport. They arrived back from Canada, bringing an Eskimo doll from Montreal's Expo '67. (credit:PA)
Rolf Harris(11 of51)
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Australian entertainer Rolf Harris, 45. The musician and cartoonist was recently in concert in London raising money for research into cancer in children. (credit:PA)
Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme - Rolf Harris and Raymond Newbigging, Kensington(12 of51)
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Australian entertainer Rolf Harris presenting the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme silver award to Raymond Newbigging, 17, of Glasgow, who was one of the 14 members of a Venture Scouts' religious folk music group he met at Baden-Powell House, the Scouts Association's headquarters in Kensington. The group, based in Ratho, Midlothian, will be performing at Folk Fest 7, the International Scout and Guide Folk Music Festival, to be compered by Rolf Harris at the Royal Albert Hall. (credit:PA)
Rolf Harris and the Queen, London Zoo(13 of51)
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Australian entertainer Rolf Harris pictured next to the Queen after she had presented prizes to winners of a local school competition at London Zoo. The Queen had lent her support in a battle to save an African elephant at London Zoo. (credit:PA)
Rolf Harris, OBE(14 of51)
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Rolf Harris, OBE. The television personality is a man of many parts. He was junior backstroke swimming champion of Australia at the age of 15 and he came to England in 1952 as an art student, three years after winning a radio talent show in Australia. Apart from his string of TV appearances, he has also exhibited at the Royal Academy twice in 1954 and 1955. (credit:PA)
Rolf Harris, London 1966(15 of51)
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A picnic is held for Sue Gallie, the newly crowned 'Miss Australia', during her visit to London, by Australian entertainer Rolf Harris and his daughter.From left to right: Sue Gallie, Bindi Harris, Rolf Harris and Patsy Ann Noble. (credit:PA)
Rolf Harris, London 1962(16 of51)
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Australian singer Rolf Harris lifts his wife, Alwen, clear off the ground when she went to London Airport (Heathrow) today (Sunday) to greet him on his return from a tour in Canada. (credit:PA)
Rolf Harris - London, 1967(17 of51)
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David Bulanatji, an Aborigine from Australia, who "got with it" today, during a visit to Carnaby Street, London centre of the mod fashion world. He is shown in a boutique being fitted with a striped jacket and a jaunty hat, under the supervision of the bearded Australian television entertainer, Rolf Harris. David, who plays a didgeridoo, appeared on Rolf's show on Saturday, April 1st. (credit:PA)
Rolf Harris - Great Yarmouth, 1964(18 of51)
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No, he's not turned headshrinker, just plasticine sculptor. And who is he? - Pop singer Rolf Harris, who fills in time between acts at the Royal Aquarium Theatre, Great Yarmouth, by sculpting heads. This one looks surprisingly like the actor Miles Malleson. (credit:PA)
Rolf Harris Christmas single(19 of51)
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Embargoed to 0001 Tuesday November 17, 2009 Rolf Harris films the video for his new single Christmas In The Sun, at Shepperton Studios in Twickenham. (credit:PA)
Rolf Harris exhibition(20 of51)
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Rolf Harris celebrating 65 years in art as he opens his 'A Life in Art' exhibition at the Clarendon Fine Art Gallery, London. (credit:PA)
Rolf Harris exhibition(21 of51)
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Rolf Harris poses next to his portrait of Queen Elizabeth II as he celebrates 65 years in art as he opens his A Life in Art' exhibition at the Clarendon Fine Art Gallery, London. (credit:PA)
Glastonbury Festival 2010(22 of51)
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Rolf Harris performs with his wobble board on the first day of music on the main stages during Glastonbury Festival 2010 on Worthy Farm, near Pilton, Somerset, as the event celebrates its 40th anniversary. (credit:PA)
Womad Festival - Wiltshire(23 of51)
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Rolf Harris performs on the final day of the Womad Festival, in Malmesbury in Wiltshire. Picture date: 25 July 2010. M Crossick/EMPICS (credit:PA)
Rolf Harris, London Zoo(24 of51)
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TV PERSONALITY ROLF HARRIS AND JUNEBROWN, EASTENDER'S DOT COTTON ANDa Lemur AT THE OPENING OF "ROLF'SAMAZING WORLD OF ANIMALS" AT LONDONZOO. (credit:PA)
Harris presented with Officer of the Order of Australia(25 of51)
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Australian broadcaster Rolf Harris is invested with the Officer of the Order of Australia, presented by the Australian High Commissioner John Dauth, in Australia House in central London. (credit:PA)
Harris presented with Officer of the Order of Australia(26 of51)
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Australian broadcaster Rolf Harris with his wife Alwen, after he was invested with the Officer of the Order of Australia, presented by the High Commissioner John Dauth, in Australia House in central London. (credit:PA)
Diamond Jubilee Pageant(27 of51)
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Rolf Harris performs at the Diamond Jubilee Pageant held at Windsor Castle, Berks which is due to go out on ITV1 over the Jubilee Weekend. (credit:PA)
Rolf Harris Christmas single(28 of51)
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Embargoed to 0001 Tuesday November 17, 2009 (left to right) Rick Parfitt, Rolf Harris and Wayne Morris film the video for their new single Christmas In The Sun, at Shepperton Studios in Twickenham. (credit:PA)
Camp Bestival 2012, Dorset(29 of51)
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Rolf Harris performs on stage at Camp Bestival 2012 at Lulworth Castle in Dorset. (credit:PA)
Camp Bestival 2012, Dorset(30 of51)
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Rolf Harris performs on stage at Camp Bestival 2012 at Lulworth Castle in Dorset. (credit:PA)
Diamond Jubilee celebrations(31 of51)
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Queen Elizabeth II meets Rolf Harris and Kylie Minogue backstage at The Diamond Jubilee Concert outside Buckingham Palace, London. (credit:PA)
Diamond Jubilee Pageant(32 of51)
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Queen Elizabeth II meets Rolf Harris during a tea party for the cast of the Diamond Jubilee Pageant at Windsor Castle, Berkshire. (credit:PA)
The Umbrellas of Cherbourg Opening Night, London(33 of51)
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Rolf Harris and Timmy Mallet attending the opening of 'The Umbrellas Of Cherbourg' at the Gielgud Theatre on Shaftsbury Avenue, London. (credit:PA)
Rolf Harris, British Academy Television Awards(34 of51)
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Rolf Harris with the Bafta Fellowship Award at the Arqiva British Academy Television Awards 2012 at the Royal Festival Hall, London. (credit:PA)
Diamond Jubilee celebrations(35 of51)
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Rolf Harris on stage outside Buckingham Palace during the Diamond Jubilee Concert. (credit:PA)
Rolf Harris faced historic sex abuse allegations(36 of51)
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Veteran entertainer Rolf Harris, with his wife Alwen, arriving at the Westminster Magistrates' Court in London where he is charged with nine counts of indecent assault and four counts of making indecent images of a child. (credit:PA)
Rolf Harris court case(37 of51)
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Rolf Harris pushes his wife Alwen in a wheelchair, as he arrives at Southwark Crown Court in London ahead of a hearing where he is due to enter pleas to 12 counts of indecent assault and four of making indecent images of a child. (credit:PA)
Rolf Harris court case(38 of51)
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Rolf Harris pushes his wife Alwen in a wheelchair, as he leaves Southwark Crown Court in London where denied a series of indecent assaults. (credit:PA)
Rolf Harris court case(39 of51)
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Rolf Harris, 84, with his wife Alwen, arrive at Southwark Crown Court in London, for the start of his trial where he is accused of 12 counts of indecent assault. (credit:PA)
Rolf Harris court case(40 of51)
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Rolf Harris, 84, with his wife Alwen, arrive at Southwark Crown Court in London, for the start of his trial where he is accused of 12 counts of indecent assault. (credit:PA)
Rolf Harris court case(41 of51)
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Court artist sketch by Elizabeth Cook of Rolf Harris who appeared at Southwark Crown Court where he pleaded not guilty to 12 charges dating back to the late 1960s, London. (credit:PA)
Rolf Harris court case(42 of51)
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Rolf Harris (second left), 84, arrives at Southwark Crown Court in London, for the start of his trial where he is accused of 12 counts of indecent assault. (credit:PA)
Rolf Harris court case(43 of51)
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Rolf Harris, 84, with his wife Alwen (second left) arrive at Southwark Crown Court in London, for the start of his trial where he is accused of 12 counts of indecent assault. (credit:PA)
Rolf Harris court case(44 of51)
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Rolf Harris leaves Southwark Crown Court following jury selection after the 84-year-old pleaded not guilty to 12 charges dating back to the late 1960, London. (credit:PA)
Rolf Harris court case(45 of51)
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Rolf Harris (right) with his wife Alwen leave Southwark Crown Court in central London after a jury has been sworn in for his trial where the veteran entertainer is accused of a string of indecent assaults. (credit:PA)
Rolf Harris court case(46 of51)
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Rolf Harris leaves Southwark Crown Court following jury selection after the 84-year-old pleaded not guilty to 12 charges dating back to the late 1960, London. (credit:PA)
Rolf Harris court case(47 of51)
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Rolf Harris with his wife Alwen (right) and daughter Bindi (left) arrive at Southwark Crown Court in central London where the jury is expected to be sworn in for his trial, the veteran entertainer is accused of a string of indecent assaults. (credit:PA)
Rolf Harris trial(48 of51)
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Rolf Harris with his wife Alwen and daughter Bindi (left) arrive at Southwark Crown Court for the start of his trial for a string of alleged indecent assaults. (credit:PA)
Rolf Harris trial(49 of51)
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Rolf Harris, with his wife Alwen and daughter Bindi (left), arrives at Southwark Crown Court for the start of his trial for a string of alleged indecent assaults. (credit:PA)
Rolf Harris trial(50 of51)
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Rolf Harris and his wife Alwen arrive at Southwark Crown Court for the start of his trial for a string of alleged indecent assaults. (credit:PA)
Rolf Harris court case(51 of51)
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File photo dated 06/05/14 of Rolf Harris as a jury is expected to be sworn in for the trial of the veteran entertainer who is accused of a string of indecent assaults. (credit:PA)

Asked about reaction to the verdicts, Peter Wanless, chief executive of the NSPCC, said: "We have had an explosion of calls in the last 24 hours from people worried and concerned about sexual abuse, not particularly directly related to Rolf Harris himself, but I think this case is symptomatic of an increased confidence that people have now to seek justice for crimes that have been committed against them."

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"I think this illustrated the absolute hypocrisy of Rolf Harris, there is no excuse for him not understanding the nature of the crimes that he was committing, here is someone who is absolutely providing children with good advice about how to stay safe," he said.

Asked if Harris had contacted the NSPCC about help with making the video, Mr Wanless replied: "I think what happened was that he commissioned an independent film company to make this video and then they asked us about the accuracy of the safety messages within the video.

"We were consulted about the accuracy of the messages which were being delivered, which I think were probably pretty strong messages."

He added: "It shows the complete hypocrisy and the danger of sexual predators hiding in plain sight.

"It is extraordinary, it shows the brazen nature of the crimes and this sort of self-confidence that sexual predators can feel that they are almost above the law.

"At the heart of sexual crimes is the exercise of power over vulnerable individuals and here is an illustration of someone who was absolutely using their power to exploit people in a completely unacceptable way."

Former patient Alizon Pink, now 60 years old, told the newspaper: "Savile had got his own set of keys to Broadmoor from the staff.

"I looked up and saw him leading a group of people. Directly behind him was Rolf Harris."

She alleged sex predator Savile timed the 7pm visit so women patients were getting undressed for bed.

Ms Pink, who is now called Steven after a sex change, said: "I was in my nightie and others were too. I think it was deliberate by Savile - to coincide with girls getting changed so he and Rolf could look at them."