Rolf Harris faces sex assault court case

ROLF Harris appeared in court yesterday accused of indecently assaulting young girls for more than 30 years.

Harris, 86, allegedly attacked seven females, one of whom was aged under 13, between 1971 and 2004. Some of the offences were allegedly committed at BBC Television Centre in London.

The former Animal Hospital host appeared via video link at London’s Southwark Crown Court. He spoke briefly to confirm his identity during the hearing but repeatedly interrupted to complain that he could not hear what was being said in court.

Harris previously pleaded not guilty to all seven counts of indecent assault and one alternative charge of sexual assault. He will return to court on December 15 for a pre-trial hearing and will stand trial on January 9 next year.

The Australian artist and musician was charged earlier this year as part of Operation Yewtree, the inquiry into celebrities suspected of child sex offences following revelations of abuse by deceased DJ Jimmy Savile.