Harris art sold for appeal funding
Rolf Harris has sold art and mementoes to raise cash to help clear his name.
Friends say the disgraced entertainer raised cash for a “fighting fund” by selling paintings and other items.
Harris was jailed in 2014 after being found guilty of sex offences against four women aged between eight and 19.
The money he raised from the sale is expected to pay for lawyers who claim to have discovered f resh evidence to help overturn his abuse convictions.
It was originally thought that Australian Harris, 86, might not appeal due to the pressures affecting his ill wife Alwen.
A source said: “Rolf told me that there was what he described as a ‘fire sale,’ and said he understood it included memorabilia and paintings to private bidders.
“He said he wanted to sell off or dispose of numerous assets to help raise cash for his fighting fund.
“He said the value was probably more important than any sentimentality.”
Harris faces a further seven charges of historic sexual abuse between 1971 and 2004 against alleged victims aged between 12 and 27.
Some are said to have taken place at television studios including BBC premises.
In February, the Crown Prosecution Service said it had examined evidence and authorised police to charge Harris.
He is due to go on trial in January.