Veteran entertainer was found guilty of 12 charges of indecently assaulting young girls over a period of nearly 20 years
Rolf Harris will appear in court on 17 March Reuters

Rolf Harris is to be charged with seven counts of indecent assault, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has said. The alleged offences date from 1971 to 2004 and relate to seven complainants who were aged between 12 and 27 at the time.

The CPS said it had now authorised police to charge the former entertainer. A spokesperson added: "We have carefully considered the evidence gathered by the Metropolitan Police Service as part of Operation Yewtree in relation to Rolf Harris.

"Having completed our review in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors, we have concluded that there is sufficient evidence and it is in the public interest for Mr Harris to be charged with seven counts of indecent assault."

Harris, 85, will appear at Westminster Magistrates Court on 17 March.