Rolf Harris to deny indecent attacks on teenagers in 1980s

Harris, 83, indicated through his lawyer that he will plead not guilty to nine counts of indecent assault and four of making indecent images of a child.

Harris was accompanied to Westminster Magistrates’ Court, in London, by wife Alwen The case will next be heard at Southwark Crown Court on October 7.

Harris walked slowly from the court building with his wife, who was using a walking stick, as police pushed back a crowd of photographers and cameramen.

The Australian artist, musician and TV presenter is accused of assaulting two alleged victims, who were aged 14 and 15 at the time, between 1980 and 1986.

Harris was released on bail on the conditions that he does not contact prosecution witnesses, lives at his home address in Bray, Berkshire, and does not spend time with anyone under the age of 18 without being accompanied by someone over 21.

Harris was arrested by officers working on Operation Yewtree, the national investigation launched after abuse claims were made against Jimmy Savile, but the allegations against him have no connection to Savile.

Harris, who painted a portrait of the Queen in 2005 and performed at her Diamond Jubilee concert last year, has been in the public eye for decades.

He had his first musical hit Tie Me Kangaroo Down, Sport in 1960 was made Officer of the Order of Australia in last year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours.