Rolf Harris Guilty On All 12 Indecent Assault Counts (VIDEO)

Rolf Harris Warned He Could Be Jailed After Indecent Assault Convictions
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Rolf Harris has been warned he could be jailed this week after he was today found guilty of all 12 counts of indecent assault he faced.

The 84-year-old, once a much-loved artist and musician, was convicted at Southwark Crown Court of the sex charges involving four women.

His army of supporters, including suited security guards and representatives from PR giant Bell Pottinger who attended every day of the trial, could do nothing to change the verdict of the jury of six men and six women.

Harris, who will be sentenced on Friday, was told the possibility of prison was "inevitable".

Once seen by a UK audience as a national treasure, Harris had enjoyed years of success, netting him a multi-million pound fortune and the chance to paint the Queen.

But the downfall of an entertainer who was part of millions of British childhoods came today, as Harris became the biggest scalp claimed by detectives from high profile sex crime investigation Operation Yewtree.

Dozens more alleged victims have come forward during the trial, including several in Australia, and Scotland Yard has been in touch with their counterparts in the Australian police, but it is not yet clear whether they are pursuing any investigation in Harris's home country.

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

The NSPCC said it has received 28 calls relating to Harris to date, involving 13 people who claim they fell prey to the performer.

Harris remained impassive as the forewoman delivered the unanimous verdicts.

His daughter Bindi held hands with a fellow supporter, and wife Alwen and niece Jenny also watched from the public gallery as his fate was sealed.

The performer was released on bail until Friday when he will be sentenced.

Justice Sweeney warned the 84-year-old that given the conviction on all 12 counts it was "inevitable" that a custodial sentence would be possible.

"He must understand that", he said. Harris's barrister Sonia Woodley replied: "He does appreciate that."

Outside the courtroom, a tearful Bindi was seen walking the corridor with Alwen and Jenny, near where her father had been taken into a side room with his legal team.

Speaking outside court, DCI Mick Orchard from the Metropolitan Police, said: "Rolf Harris has habitually denied any wrong doing forcing his victims to recount their ordeal in public.

"He committed many offences in plain sight of people as he thought his celebrity status placed him above the law.

"I want to thank the women who came forward for their bravery, I hope today's guilty verdict will give them closure and help them to begin to move on with their lives.

"Today's case and verdict once again shows that we will always listen to, and investigate allegations regardless of the time frame or those involved."

Harris walked slowly from the building this afternoon, with an emotional Alwen and Bindi on either side, and also accompanied by his niece Jenny who has attended every day of the trial.

The family was flanked by three burly security guards as they faced a throng of international media.

Harris remained silent in the face of continuous questions, cutting a dejected and downbeat figure.

The group was ushered into a waiting Audi with blacked out windows, with photographers crowding around the car.

Earlier, PR heavyweights Bell Pottinger said Harris will not be commenting on the verdicts, either here or in Australia.

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)

Rolf Harris has become the biggest celebrity scalp to be claimed by detectives from high-profile sex crime investigation Operation Yewtree.

The 84-year-old is the second person to be convicted under the national inquiry, which was set up in the wake of abuse claims against Jimmy Savile.

Police were contacted by one alleged victim, named in seven of the 12 charges that Harris faced, after she heard the claims made about late DJ Savile and gained the confidence to come forward in November 2012.

The other three then contacted officers - two in the UK and one in Australia - after British newspaper The Sun publicly named Harris as a Yewtree suspect for the first time on April 18 last year.

Police and prosecutors have previously faced questions over the success of Operation Yewtree, which has so far seen two convictions out of 17 arrests.

Scotland Yard has defended the investigation, saying officers have to take alleged victims seriously, particularly in the wake of national failings over Savile.

Eight people have been told they will face no further action; three suspects, including broadcaster Paul Gambaccini, remain on bail; and a total of six people have been charged.

Former popstar Gary Glitter and ex-Radio One DJ Chris Denning are currently going through the court system, and driver David Smith was due to face trial but died before he could do so.

DJ Dave Lee Travis was the first person to go through a trial under Yewtree, but the proceedings ended with him being acquitted on 12 indecent assault charges, and a hung jury on one count of the same charge and a count of sexual assault.

Prosecutors later confirmed that they would go to a retrial on the two charges, and that Travis would face an additional count of indecent assault.