Harris verdict must be unanimous

Rolf Harris' lawyer says his good reputation has been savaged during his child sex trial.

ROLF Harris' guilt or innocence on 12 counts of indecent assault will have to be determined with a unanimous verdict, a London court has heard.

In given directions to the six man, six woman jury in the 84-year-old's trial, Judge Nigel Sweeney said he will not accept a majority rule but rather only a unanimous verdict on each of the 12 indictments.

He said they could find Harris guilty or innocent on all 12 or on some of the 12 but a decision on each had to be agreed to by all 12 jurors.

In a lengthy address, Judge Sweeney reminded the jury of their duty as "judges of the evidence" and said he hoped they could "see the wood for the trees and recognise a red herring when you see one and ignore it".

Awaiting his fate ... Rolf Harris arrives at Southwark Crown Court in London. Picture: Alastair Grant Source: AP

He said the defendant relied strongly on his good character and asserted he did not commit any of the offences alleged although accepted he did have sexual contact with one victim but that did not start until she was 18.

The prosecution, he said, relied on so many women having given evidence from Britain, Australia, New Zealand and Malta and said there was no reason for any or so many to lie about alleged assaults, for no reason.

Prosecutor Sasha Wass QC has launched a scathing critique of Rolf Harris in his sex abuse trial in London.

He said it was up to the jury to decide on evidence what was more truthful. He instructed it could be, as the prosecution had asserted, the evidence from one independent witness was supportive of the other independent witness then taken collectively it was less likely to explain away as coincidental lies.

He said the jury could view the evidence in this way.

His summing up is expected to continue tomorrow with direction on the evidence on two central alleged victims who make up the bulk of the indictments before the jury will be discharged to reach a verdict.

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