Rolf Harris was 'gravely sick and receiving around-the-clock care' before death
For more than 30 years, Rolf Harris was a showbiz powerhouse, earning a slew of number one hits and appearing on some of the biggest TV shows of the day.
But all that came to an abrupt end in June 2014 when he was sentenced to five years and nine months in prison for 12 indecent assaults on four teenage girls between 1968 and 1986, although one of those was later overturned.
The late former star - whose death was announced today - served nearly three years at HMP Stafford before being released on licence in May 2017.
Harris' death becoming known publicly comes just days on from a new ITV documentary series airing about the Australian, with the two-part feature using rare archive and exclusive testimony from those closest to the trial.
In 2016, while still in prison, Harris was charged in relation to seven unconnected historic allegations of indecent assault but was cleared on three counts and the jury was discharged before reaching a verdict on the remaining four.
Rolf Harris is being sued over accusations he molested 10-year-old girl
Rolf Harris was released from jail in 2017 (PA)He was later retried for three offences and one new charge but was acquitted after the jury could not reach a verdict.
"I feel no sense of victory, only relief," Harris said in a statement at the time.
Harris was later said to be 'gravely ill', with his final years thought to have been a world away from the glamorous existence he once enjoyed.
At 92, Harris was believed to have returned to his multi-million pound estate in Berkshire upon his release from prison - as several neighbouring homes were put up for sale, some with millions off the asking price.
Three sprawling properties were listed for sale soon after his release. One home was up at £2million below the original £10million asking price. Another, £12.5million in 2013, was relisted at £7.95million.
A £6million home was taken off the market after failing to sell, while another was up at £1.55million, a £200,000 drop in just a year.
One local told The Mirror: "Up to half the homes in the area are on sale or about to go on sale. Others want to sell – but not if we can’t get near the asking price."
Resident Martin Isark said: "This used to be one of the most desirable estates in the country, partly because of the celebrities here. But not any more. I’ve been told would-be buyers now look up river at places like Sonning, where George Clooney lives."
In 2019 it was reported that Harris was living as a recluse, leaving the house only to get medication for his diabetes, which he once told Australian newspaper, the Herald Sun, he had 'suffered from for 25 years'.
He was said to spend his days with wife Alwen Hughes, who he met at art school when she was a sculptor, and stood by him in the trial.
Rolf Harris now - 'gravely sick and under 24-hour care' amid fresh abuse claims
Harris did, however, make an infamous appearance that same year when he showed up in the grounds of a primary school where he was seen waving at children before the head teacher asked him to leave.
Rolf Harris was photographed in the grounds of a primary school (Daily Mirror)A witness, who took pictures, told The Mirror at the time: "I couldn't believe what I was seeing."
School head Richard Jarrett shook Harris' hand before ordering him off the grounds.
Mr Jarrett said it was the first time Harris, who lives nearby, had entered the school gates.
But parents were outraged that he had got anywhere near their kids.
Mr Jarrett, head of Oldfield Primary School in Maidenhead, Berks, said: "We have got a pick-up and drop-off point at the school, which is 20 metres from a main road, and we have got two forms of security.
"We've got a wood sculptor working close to the road. He must have seen him [the sculptor] and come into the school area. He had no access to the children whatsoever.
"He explained what he was doing – that he was getting some wood from the sculptor. I said, 'You need to go'."
Mr Jarrett, who has an MBE for services to education, said he had reported Harris to the police.
When artist Harris was jailed in 2014, judge Mr Justice Sweeney said the entertainer had taken advantage of his celebrity status and had shown 'no remorse' for his crimes.
One victim, a friend of his daughter Bindi, was first assaulted by Harris, aged 13.
She was abused by the entertainer for years and eventually came forward while aged in her 40s.
However, Bindi stood firmly by her dad's side throughout the trial, arguing that the 'affair' with her friend didn't start until the woman was 18.
As for Bindi's ailing father, he is reported to have taken a turn for the worse after the death of his beloved poodle earlier in the year.
Neighbour Portia Wooderson told Australian paper The Daily Telegraph: "Only carers and nurses, who care for him 24 hours, come and go. I'm told he can't eat anymore."
Private investigator and author William Merritt confirmed his health woes to The Mirror, claiming it was difficult to understand Harris when he communicates.
Mr Merritt, who penned Rolf Harris: The Defence Team's Special Investigator Reveals the Truth Behind the Trials, said: "As far as his health goes, yes, he is very ill. But, Rolf keeps going. He's still around but he's not well at all."
However, he insisted former TV star and artist Harris would still try to be an entertainer on the rare occasions he had guests.
Merritt added: "As soon as one of two people walk into the room, he turns into a big kid again. He’s an artistic type, and he’ll try to perform on cue, even when he's unwell."
The disgraced TV presenter's death was confirmed by a registrar at Maidenhead Town Hall on Tuesday afternoon.
Harris “died peacefully surrounded by family and friends and has now been laid to rest”, his family said in a statement.
It's though the disgraced former star's funeral has already taken place.
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