Is Rolf Harris Still in Jail? What is He Doing Now?
by A N Rahul
Updated May 22, 2023
Is Rolf Harris still in Jail?
Rolf Harris, the former star who was convicted of 12 indecent assaults on four teenage girls between 1968 and 1986, is no longer in jail. He was released from prison in May 2017 after serving nearly three years of his five-year sentence. It is important to note that one of the convictions was later overturned. Harris, born in Perth, Australia, served his sentence at HMP Stafford before being released on license.
His release came after completing a significant portion of his original sentence. Since his release from prison, Rolf Harris has maintained a relatively low profile. He has not returned to his previous career in the entertainment industry and has largely stayed out of the public eye. The details of his current activities and whereabouts are not widely known.
Rolf Harris Jail time
In July 2014, Rolf Harris received a sentence of five years and nine months in prison after being found guilty of 12 counts of indecent assault on four female victims during the 1970s and 1980s. Following nearly three years of imprisonment, Harris was released on license in May 2017. His arrest in March 2013 came as part of Operation Yewtree, a British police investigation into sexual abuse allegations involving celebrities.
Despite denying all charges, Harris was convicted by a jury at Southwark Crown Court in June 2014. The scandal surrounding his conviction had a significant impact on his career, leading to the removal of his songs and albums from sale. Since his release, Harris has maintained a low profile and has not made any public statements.
Rolf Harris Hiding in Plain Sight
"Rolf Harris: Hiding in Plain Sight" is a two-part British television documentary that premiered on ITV on May 18 and 19, 2023. The documentary delves into the story of Rolf Harris, an Australian-born entertainer who was convicted of 12 indecent assaults on four teenage girls between 1968 and 1986.
Presented by Australian journalist Liz Hayes, the documentary features interviews with Harris' victims and individuals who were closely associated with him, including his manager, wife, and daughter. It explores the factors that allowed Harris to perpetrate his crimes undetected for an extended period, such as his celebrity status and manipulative behavior.
"Rolf Harris: Hiding in Plain Sight" has received praise for its powerful and unsettling portrayal of child sexual abuse. However, it has also faced criticism for focusing on Harris' victims while lacking interviews with the perpetrator himself.
Despite any criticisms, the documentary serves as an important reminder of a dark chapter in British history. It highlights that child sexual abuse can affect anyone, irrespective of age, gender, or social status. Furthermore, it underscores the necessity of holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.
The documentary uncovers several significant findings, including Harris' ability to evade capture due to his prominent and respected position in the entertainment industry. He exploited his celebrity status to manipulate and groom his victims, taking advantage of the trust placed in him by his parents and colleagues. Harris fostered an environment of secrecy and isolation to carry out his abuse, leading his victims to fear coming forward due to concerns of being disbelieved.
"Rolf Harris: Hiding in Plain Sight" has had a substantial impact on raising public awareness of child sexual abuse. It has encouraged victims to step forward, while also prompting calls for improved protection for children and increased resources for assisting survivors of abuse. Overall, the documentary sheds light on a distressing issue and contributes to the ongoing conversation surrounding child protection and justice.
Who is Rolf Harris?
Rolf Harris was an Australian-born entertainer known for his diverse career in music, television, and the arts. Born on March 30, 1930, in Bassendean, Western Australia, Harris rose to fame as a musician, releasing his first album in 1959 and incorporating Australian folk influences into his music. He gained popularity in the United Kingdom and became known for his use of the didgeridoo.
In addition to his musical endeavors, Harris found success as a television personality, hosting children's shows like "Rolf's Cartoon Show" and "Animal Magic," as well as appearing on the Royal Variety Performance. However, in 2013, Harris's career took a dark turn when he was arrested and charged with indecent assault.
He was convicted of 12 counts of indecent assault in 2014, resulting in a five-year prison sentence. The revelation of his crimes shocked the public, and his conviction prompted a reassessment of his work, leading to the removal of some of his songs and television shows from circulation.
Harris's legacy is a complex one, as he was both a talented entertainer who brought joy to many and a sexual predator who committed heinous acts against children. His crimes are deeply condemnable, and they serve as a reminder that even those in the public eye can engage in abhorrent behavior. It is essential to acknowledge the impact of his actions while also recognizing the importance of supporting and protecting the victims of such abuse.
Is Rolf Harris still in Jail - FAQs
No, Rolf Harris is no longer in jail. He was released from prison in May 2017 after serving nearly three years of his five-year sentence for the conviction of 12 indecent assaults on four teenage girls between 1968 and 1986.
Rolf Harris received a sentence of five years and nine months in July 2014. He served nearly three years of his sentence before being released on licence in May 2017.
Rolf Harris was found guilty of 12 counts of indecent assault on four female victims during the 1970s and 1980s. He was convicted in June 2014 after a trial at Southwark Crown Court as part of Operation Yewtree, which investigated sexual abuse allegations involving celebrities.
Since his release from prison, Rolf Harris has maintained a low profile and has not returned to his previous career in the entertainment industry. He has largely stayed out of the public eye, and details of his current activities and whereabouts are not widely known.