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Rolf Harris jailed for five years and nine months

Veteran entertainer Rolf Harris has been sentenced to five years and nine months in prison for indecently assaulting four girls over a near 20-year period. One of his victims told ITV News he was a "nasty man" who took advantage his position.

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Harris' sentence referred over claim it's 'unduly lenient'

The Attorney General's Office wrote following Rolf Harris' sentencing:

Harris has been sentenced to five years and nine months in prison for indecently assaulting four girls over a near 20-year period.

Police thank Rolf Harris victims for their 'courage'

The police today invited people who want to speak to them following the jailing of Rolf Harris for indecent assault to do so, as they thanked the TV personality's victims for their "courage" in coming forward.

Detective Chief Inspector Michael Orchard said:

The court has today heard about the impact these crimes have had on those involved. Once again I would like to thank all the victims for their courage in coming forward.

If there is any person that wishes to speak with the police they can contact their local police team or the NSPCC.

– DCI Michael Orchard

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Harris was 'opportunistic and brazen in targeting victims'

Rolf Harris was "opportunistic and brazen" in targeting young girls who were left with lasting damage after the abuse, a children's charity said.

"Harris was opportunistic and brazen in targeting young girls and women," Peter Watt, director of national services at the NSPCC, said.

Rolf Harris has been described as a 'opportunistic and brazen'. Credit: PA Wire

"He took advantage of their trust in him and we heard through the evidence of his courageous victims just how profoundly damaging his abuse was on them for decades after.

"This sentence reflects the seriousness of his crimes and hopefully those he preyed upon can finally find some peace. It sends a message that no one is untouchable and justice can come at any time.

"Harris has not shown any remorse for what he has done and treated the whole court case like just another performance. Thankfully the jury saw through this charade and he will now have a considerable amount of time to reflect on the impact of his crimes."

Read: Rolf Harris showed no emotion as sentence was given

Rolf Harris showed no emotion as sentence was given

Rolf Harris showed no emotion as he was sentenced to five years and nine months in prison for a string of sexual assaults.

A court sketch of Harris as impact statements are read out. Credit: ITV News/Priscilla Coleman

Harris, who earlier travelled to court by boat, remained impassive in the dock with a striped suitcase by his side.

His daughter, Bindi, watched on from the public gallery in a packed courtroom.

Read: Rolf Harris jailed for five years and nine months

Harris to serve only half of sentence for sex offences

Rolf Harris arriving at court today. Credit: PA Wire

Rolf Harris will serve half of the five years and nine month jail term imposed on him for indecently assaulting four girls.

Mr Justice Sweeney told the 84-year-old: "Unless released earlier, you will serve half that sentence when you will be released on licence for the remainder of your sentence."

The entertainer was warned that he could be recalled to prison if he broke the terms of the licence upon his release.

Read: Harris 'used celebrity status to take advantage'

Rolf Harris 'used celebrity status to take advantage'

Rolf Harris used his celebrity status to take advantage of the trust placed in him, a judge said, as he sentenced the 84-year-old to five years and nine months in prison.

Mr Justice Sweeney said:

For well over 50 years you have been a popular entertainer and TV personality of international standing with a speciality in children's entertainment.

You are also an artist of renown. You have been the recipient of a number of honours and awards over the years, you have done many good and charitable works and numerous people have attested to your positive good character.

But the verdicts of the jury show that in the period from 1969 to 1986 you were also a sex offender, committing 12 indecent assaults on four victims who were variously aged between eight and 19 at the time.

There were a number of aggravating features. You took advantage of the trust placed in you because of your celebrity status to commit the offences against three of the victims.

All your offences in relation to (Bindi's friend) were committed in breach of the trust that her parents had placed in you and two of them took place in her own home.

In every case the age gap between you and the victim was a very considerable one. You clearly got a thrill from committing the offences while others were present or nearby. Whilst others did not realise what you were doing their presence added to the ordeal of your victims.

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