Harris set to be freed from prison but still faces child sex abuse trial
ROLF Harris will leave prison today after less than three years behind bars – despite being in the middle of a child sex abuse trial.
The 87-year-old went on trial on Monday accused of using his fame to molest three schoolgirls.
He had been appearing via video link from Stafford Prison but after his release he will start attending his trial in person.
Harris has served almost three years in prison after convictions in 2014 but has been granted bail over his current charges.
This was relayed to jurors at Southwark Crown Court yesterday to explain why the married artist will begin attending the trial part-way through.
Judge Deborah Taylor said: ‘Rolf Harris is to be released from Her Majesty’s Prison in Stafford. I decided to grant Mr Harris bail in relation to the charges you are considering in this case.’
Harris is accused of a string of sex attacks against three girls aged 13 to 16 at TV shows and a youth music festival during the 1970s and 1980s.
The Australian is said to have had an ‘appetite for sexually touching young females’.
The first alleged attack took place on July 10, 1971, when Harris is accused of preying on a 14-year-old girl at a youth music festival at the Lyceum Theatre in London’s West End. He is also accused of molesting a 13-yearold girl at the BBC Television Studios in 1983.
The young fan was allegedly groped in a BBC green room while show guests including the late singer George Michael from Wham! and other famous singers from the time were milling about.
On another occasion he is alleged to have fondled a 16year-old and squeezed her breast while he was taking part in the Star Games TV show.
Jurors heard he attacked the youngster again in a car, pushing her legs apart to grab her following the filming at Jesus Green in Cambridge.
Harris, from Bray, Berkshire, denies four counts of indecent assault. The trial continues.