23 Sep 2013

Rolf Harris in court

10:38 pm on 23 September 2013

Entertainer Rolf Harris has appeared in a London court charged with nine counts of indecent assault and four of making indecent images of children.

During the brief hearing at Westminster Magistrates Court, the 83-year-old spoke only to say his name, address and date of birth.

The artist, of Bray, Berkshire, was accompanied to court by his wife Alwen, reports the BBC.

He was bailed and his case was referred to Southwark Crown Court where he is due to appear on 7 October. His lawyer says he will plead not guilty.

Mr Harris was first arrested in March by police investigating historical allegations of child sexual abuse.

Six charges relate to the alleged indecent assault of a girl aged 15-16 between 1980 and 1981 and three relate to a girl aged 14 in 1986. The indecent images of children were alleged to have been made last year.

Mr Harris was arrested as part of Operation Yewtree, which was set up in the wake of allegations against the former BBC Radio 1 DJ and TV presenter Jimmy Savile.