Convicted paedophile Rolf Harris has died at the age of 93.
The former artist and TV personality was said to be “gravely ill” in October 2022, requiring “around the clock care” with carers and nurses visiting his home on a daily basis.
Harris lived in Berkshire with his wife of 64 years, Alwen Hughes, after being released from prison in May 2017.
READ MORE: Rolf Harris’ make up artist says vile TV legend would grope her as she powdered his nose
He served three years of a five years and nine month sentence after being found guilty of 12 counts of sexual assault, one of which was later overturned on unsafe grounds.
(Image: PA)
Harris assaulted four underage female victims during the 1970s and 1980s, and was later stripped of his AO and CBE when his crimes came to light.
Throughout his career, Harris became known for his comedy songs including Jake the Peg and Tie Me Kangaroo Down, Sport, as well as his skill at playing the didgeridoo.
He made his name on various BBC and ITV shows across his career, starring in everything from My Family to Run for Your Wife.
The disgraced actor also featured in The Sooty Show, Olive the Ostrich and Fetch the Vet.
(Image: Getty Images)
He was also credited with the invention of the wobble board.
Harris reportedly became ill after the death of one of his poodles, with his neighbour Portia Wooderson telling the Australian Daily Telegraph in October: “Only carers and nurses, who care for him 24 hours, come and go. I’m told he can’t eat anymore.”
Author William Merritt confirmed it was “difficult to understand” Harris when he attempted to communicate.
Meanwhile, Harris’ wife Alwen is also said to be very ill and has been frail for a number of years, suffering from Alzheimer’s.
(Image: Getty Images)
Harris’ solicitor read a statement from the artist during his retrial which stated: “Whilst I am pleased that this is finally over, I feel no sense of victory — just relief.
“I am 87 years old, my wife is in ill health and we simply want to spend our remaining time together.”
Harris maintained his innocence for various charges after the retrial effectively freed him from prison.
In a statement for Merritt’s book Rolf Harris: The Defence Team’s Special Investigator Reveals the Truth Behind the Trials, he claimed: “I understand we live in the post truth era and know few will want to know what really happened during the three criminal trials I faced – it’s easier to condemn me and liken me to people like Saville and Glitter.
“I was convicted of offences I did not commit in my first trial. That is not just my view but the view of the Court of Appeal who overturned one of my convictions.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
