Rolf Harris Sex Offence Claims Are 'Ridiculous' Says Brother Bruce

Brother Bruce Dismisses Claims Against 'Octopus' Rolf Harris
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Rolf Harris' 90-year-old brother Bruce has dismissed claims his sibling groped a make-up artist so often she dubbed him an "octopus" as a "ridiculous" suggestion.

He gave evidence at Southwark Crown Court via videolink from Sydney, Australia, and said he would have shouted at his younger brother if he had seen him put his hand up the woman's shorts.

Wearing a dark grey suit, lilac shirt and grey tie, he told the court he became the artist and musician's manager in 1981.

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Rolf Harris arrives at Southwark Crown Court accompanied by daughter Bindi Harris (left) and niece Jenny Harris

He said: "He was unhappy with his management team in the UK. He had fallen on relatively hard times and was not happy with the way they were treating him."

The former advertising boss also took control of his brother's finances.

"Rolf has never shown any interest in the financial side of life," he told the jury of six men and six women.

Rolf Harris is accused of 12 counts of indecent assault on four women between 1968 and 1986, all of which he denies.

Prosecutors have called a number of supporting witnesses who are not named in the charges, including the make-up artist who claimed Harris was nicknamed "the octopus".

The freelancer, who was in her 20s at the time, said he repeatedly put his hands inside her baggy shorts as far as her hips while making a programme in Australia in the mid-1980s.

Bruce Harris said: "That's ridiculous. He would never do that and I wouldn't let him do that, and he knew I wouldn't let him do that. That's just not possible."

Sitting as he gave evidence, he added: "I would have shouted at him, I would have demanded that he stopped. But it never happened, it would never have been something that he would have done.

"I would have taken the elder brother approach to a younger brother misbehaving."

Another alleged victim Tonya Lee, who has waived the usual right to anonymity, claimed Harris touched her intimately when she met him while on tour in the UK with an Australian youth theatre group.

Bruce Harris said the first he knew about the allegations against his brother was when Ms Lee gave a television interview about her claims last year.

He said he called the artistic director of the theatre group, Kathy Henkel, to ask her whether she had seen what allegedly happened.

"In retrospect I kept on niggling away at her, saying 'surely you must have seen something'.

"In Tonya's documentary she went into great detail about what happened over a period of time and I thought that Kathy must have seen something of this. So I kept trying to see. I didn't put any pressure on her.

"I wasn't trying to get her to change her story if that's what you mean, I was trying to see whether she could back up what this girl was saying."

In cross-examination by prosecutor Sasha Wass QC, he admitted that in the "hypothetical" situation that Henkel had supported the claims, he would not have told the police.

He said: "I'm protective of my brother and I also wanted to see if there was any truth to what was being said. I didn't believe it."

The jury has already heard that Henkel could not be certain about what happened on the night of the alleged assault, and that speaking to Bruce she claimed she "felt pressured to say that it couldn't have taken place".

Bruce Harris repeatedly denied trying to influence her, and said if his brother had performed for the theatre group, while they were having dinner together, he would have been most focused on doing his show.

"I can't believe if he had done a show like that he would have had time or been bothered to do the kind of things that Tonya Lee has said," he told the court.

The court then heard from Ken Jeacle, Rolf Harris's former tour manager, who has also worked with acts including comedian Ronnie Corbett, singer Vera Lynn and seventies disco act the Village People.

He began working for Harris in the early 1980s, organising international tours, and said he was "the highest-profile artist in the Australian variety scene" and his profile in his native country was "just indescribable".

The trial was adjourned until tomorrow.

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)