Rolf Harris faces sex abuse trial in January 2017
Entertainer Rolf Harris appeared in court today (fri) ahead of his upcoming trial for an alleged string of historic sex attacks dating back more than 45 years.
The 86-year-old artist and musician faces eight allegations against seven females dating from 1971 to 2004 – one of whom is said to have been under 13.
He was charged earlier this year with seven counts of indecent assault and one of sexual assault as part of Operation Yewtree, an inquiry into celebrities suspected of child sex offences.
His alleged victims supposedly include a girl under thirteen who claims to have been assaulted by the Australian-born star in 1977.
The earliest complaint dates back to July 10 1971 when Harris is said to have indecently assaulted a girl under 16.
A third teenage girl, also under 16 at the time, is alleged to have been a victim of Harris’s assault on New Year’s Eve, 1983.
Four other females have made claims against Harris relating to incidents in 1977, 1978, 2002 and 2004.
The 2004 alleged incident also features an alternative count of sexual assault which jurors are expected to try Harris on.
The former Animal Hospital presenter appeared at Southwark Crown Court today (fri) via video link wearing a suit and tie.
He spoke to confirm his name and was predominantly an on-looker as the administrative hearing took place.
Harris, formerly of Fishery Road, Bray, Maidenhead, Berks, denies seven counts of indecent assault and one of sexual assault.
His trial, fixed for January 9 2017, is expected to last for four weeks.
Harris is set to appear in court on December 15 for a further pre-trial hearing.
