Rolf Harris’ family release statement after disgraced entertainer’s death aged 93-Rachael O'Connor-Entertainment – Metro

Rolf Harris’ family have spoken out after his death (Picture: Rex/Shutterstock)

The family of Rolf Harris have released a statement following his death aged 93.

In a message released through Harris’ solicitor, they said: ‘This is to confirm that Rolf Harris recently died peacefully surrounded by family and friends and has now been laid to rest.

‘They ask that you respect their privacy. No further comment will be made.’

The Australian presenter died on May 10, with the news only breaking on Tuesday.

Harris had been released from prison five years ago after serving three years out of a five years and nine month sentence, having been found guilty of 12 counts of sexual assault, one of which was later overturned.

Once a beloved entertainer known for the likes of Animal Hospital and Cartoon Time, he was arrested in 2013 after the Jimmy Savile sexual abuse scandal broke.

Harris was a household name when he was investigated and found guilty of assaulting teenage girls and young children (Picture: Shutterstock)

He denied any wrongdoing and was released on bail without charge but was later arrested again and charged with nine counts of indecent assault dating to the 1980s.

The charges involved two girls between 14 and 16 years old, and four counts alleging production of indecent child images in 2012.

In December of the same year, the Crown Prosecution Service confirmed that Harris was facing three further counts of sexual assault.

The new charges were of alleged assault against females aged nineteen in 1984, aged seven or eight in 1968 or 1969, and aged fourteen in 1975.

The disgraced star was known for appearing in the likes of Animal Hospital and once had a large fanbase (Picture: ITV/Shutterstock)

He pleaded not guilty to all of the charges, but was found guilty of all 12 counts by a jury, and was sentenced after being told by the judge he had shown ‘no remorse.’

He was released in 2017 and was later diagnosed with neck cancer; in October of last year it was reported he was ‘gravely sick’ and required carers to monitor him at home.

Harris was also reported to have been hospitalised during his time in prison after his diabetes spiralled out of control.

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His death certificate, seen by the PA news agency, reports he died from neck cancer and ‘frailty of old age.’

Originally from Australia, Harris had spent over 60 years in the UK and died at home in Bray, Berkshire.

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