Original story from news.com.au July 1st, 2014
ROLF Harris has been found guilty of sexually assaulting four teenage school girls over an almost 20-year period with a jury unanimously declaring him guilty on all charges in a sensational conclusion to his long running trial.
After eight days of deliberations as the trial entered its eighth week, the six man and six woman jury returned to court 2 of Southwark Crown Court in central London shortly after lunch (local time) to unanimously declare his guilt.
The 84-year-old Harris — a household name with more than 50 years in the music, art and TV entertainment industries — was expressionless as Judge Nigel Sweeney asked the jury forewoman for their verdict.
As he left the defendant’s dock, Harris managed a reassuring nod and grimace for his family who held hands and comforted each other.
For seven weeks they had heard claims by the prosecution their loved one was a sinister pervert who groomed girls for abuse, and despite making audible remarks and head shakes while victims testified, yesterday they said nothing in the face of the verdict.