Devon Defence Lawyer Jailed for 13 Years Over Decades of Client Abuse
A criminal defence lawyer from Devon who sexually abused vulnerable clients, some as young as 14, over nearly three decades has been sentenced to 13 years in prison. Alan Harris, 72, from Plymouth, targeted victims during consultations in police and court cells, exploiting their vulnerability and assuming they would not be believed if they reported his actions.
Systematic Pattern of Abuse in Legal Settings
Harris was found guilty of 10 offences against seven individuals—six male and one female—spanning from 1988 to 2015. The assaults occurred in settings where victims should have felt safe, such as police stations, adding to the trauma described by survivors in court. One victim recounted how Harris abused him while he was under the influence of drugs or alcohol, highlighting the lawyer's predatory behaviour towards those at their most defenceless.
During sentencing at Winchester Crown Court, survivors delivered powerful impact statements detailing the lasting damage caused by Harris's actions. One man described losing his home, family, and confidence, suffering from night terrors and living rough as a result of the abuse. He emphasised that Harris's actions took place in a police station, a place where he should have been protected, not violated.
Victims' Courage and Lasting Trauma
The female survivor expressed gratitude for being believed by the jury, noting that the emotional and psychological trauma would remain with her forever. Another victim linked his 36-year heroin addiction to the abuse, stating that Harris was a significant factor in his downward spiral. These testimonies underscored the profound and enduring impact of Harris's crimes on his clients' lives.
Judge Morris condemned Harris's actions, stating there was "no greater fall from grace" for a lawyer who betrayed the trust placed in him. The judge noted that victims relied on Harris for legal advice during difficult times, only to be sexually abused when they were most vulnerable, sometimes while still under the influence of substances.
Defence and Police Response
In defence, Christine Agnew KC acknowledged Harris's previous good standing in the local community and the difficulty he would face serving a custodial sentence. She mentioned that Harris had retired from practising as a solicitor in 2016 and had assisted numerous clients over his career. However, this did not mitigate the severity of his offences.
Ch Supt Roy Linden of Devon and Cornwall Police praised the victims for their courage in coming forward, reporting the offences, and testifying in court. He emphasised that Harris targeted individuals based on their vulnerability, banking on their silence. The police investigation and subsequent trial highlighted the importance of trust in the criminal justice process.
Harris showed little emotion during the proceedings as the court heard the harrowing accounts of his abuse. His sentencing marks a significant conclusion to a case that exposes the betrayal of professional duty and the devastating consequences for those he was meant to protect.
