Rolf Harris trial dramatically concludes
Australian entertainer Rolf Harris has been found ‘not guilty’ on four indecent assault charges, after a jury failed to reach a verdict during his trial in London.
The jury considered charges the 87-year-old entertainer had assaulted three girls between the ages of 13 and 16 at public events between the 1970s and 80s, but after four hours and 47 minutes of deliberation could not reach a verdict.
Following the decision, the prosecution's Jonathan Rees QC told the court the Crown would not be seeking a third retrial. Harris reportedly showed little emotion inside and outside of court, and did not speak to the media.
His solicitor, Daniel Berke read out a statement on the entertainer's behalf:
"Whilst I am pleased that this is finally all over, I feel no sense of victory, just relief.
"My wife is in ill health and we simply want to spend our remaining time together in peace."
Harris had pleaded not guilty to all charges and didn’t give any evidence to the London court. He is facing no additional charges, and will return home having already completed a jail sentence of 12 previous convictions of indecent assault.
Image credit: Twitter / SBS News