Rolf Harris, once a beloved entertainer in the UK, was convicted in 2014 for indecent assault against underage girls. He served three years of a five-year, nine-month sentence before his release in 2017. Harris died in May 2023 at his home in Bray, Berkshire, from neck cancer and frailty of old age. His wife, sculptor Alwen Hughes, died in summer 2024 aged 92.
Conviction and Sentence
In 2013, Harris faced 12 charges of indecent assault involving underage girls, all of which he denied. Following his conviction for offences committed between 1968 and 1986, Mr Justice Sweeney sentenced him to five years and nine months in prison, stating Harris had shown "no remorse."
Release and Later Life
Harris was released from Stafford Prison on licence in 2017 after serving nearly three years. He subsequently faced four additional indecent assault charges but was acquitted and received no further prison time. After release, he lived with his wife in Bray, Berkshire.
Death and Family
Harris died in May 2023 at age 93. His death certificate listed neck cancer and frailty of old age as causes. His family issued a statement confirming he died peacefully surrounded by family and friends. Alwen Hughes, his wife of over 60 years, died in 2024 after a stroke.
Documentary on Prime Video
Prime Video's true crime documentary Rolf Harris: Primetime Predator examines Harris's crimes and how he evaded justice for decades. The two-part series highlights the trauma endured by his victims and the eventual legal consequences.
