SOT wrote:
geezer466 wrote:
Here are the judges sentencing remarks.
Not easy reading in some parts and makes the sentence more understandable. It seems it was a bit more than the off bum grope.
Bear in mind though there was no independent witnesses beyond those abused (even though at least 2 of the offences were supposed to have occurred in public arena's and around people) and who are positioning themselves to get at his £11Million estate.
http://www.judiciary.gov.uk/wp-content/ ... arris1.pdfWhoa! Thanks for posting this Geezer: I just read that document and it was tough going. From a point of view of not wanting to think he was guilty, to now asking myself what else did he do to poor 'C' during those decades
Its up to others to decide compensation, and I have my own views about whether a one off grope (however wrong) could lead to the necessity for a payout. But again, 'C's life has seemingly been ruined by the sustained assaults she faced as a kid.
I was hoping that Rolf - in some bizarre way - had fallen in love with the girl. OK, that would be odd, but if he really cared for her, perhaps it would make the whole situation less disgusting. But from reading this brief summary, he just looks like a sordid sex offender with his own sexual gratification as the main driver for his actions, and with no thought for C at all
So very sad

Bindi's friend 'C' Was very much the most difficult charge. There is no doubt that Harris had long term relationship with the girl which continued until she was 32 years of age. The question is did it start when she was 13 as the girl asserted or 18 as Harris claimed. My suspicion is that it probably developed over a period of time when she was a teenager. As the girl continued the relationship with Harris for over a decade there must have been a degree of consent so the question then becomes did sexual contact occur before the girl was 16. This the tricky point and which I would want to hear all the evidence presented in court and not just the bits that appeared in the press and the Judges summing up before making a decision
Clearly the jury in this trial did not share my views but they were out for quite a long time (over 37 hours) so I assume it was not an open and shut agreement of guilt. Given the time considering the verdict I am wondering what made them eventually all decide to convict him unanimously on all counts particularly when one of the accusers looks to be suspect.
Bindi's friend was a woman scorned, from what I have managed to pick up in the press from the
limited reporting Harris ended the relationship against her wishes and the defence asserted that some 'threats' were made. She also asserted that the abuse turned her to alcoholism where it seems more plausible it was the acrimonious split. I find it odd that if Harris was abusing her from age 13 why she never spoke up to her parents in all that time and why she entered into a relationship with his when she did. Even returning to his house time after time.
I notice you didn't mention Tonya Lee. My assertion is she had already gone public selling her story and making claims in the press before the trial. This was clearly prejudicial to the case and doubt must be raised about her motivation which appears to be driven by a desire for financial gain. No other witnesses to an assault that was supposed to have taken place in a public place. Decidedly not proven in my opinion but of course added smoke to the mix.