Rolf Harris facing 10 more assault claims

Artist and television personality Rolf Harris arrives at Southwark Crown Court to face sentencing in July. Photo / Getty

Rolf Harris could face fresh charges after as many as ten more women came forward to accuse him of sexual assaults, including attacks in New Zealand.

The disgraced 84-year-old entertainer was jailed in June for five years and nine months for 12 indecent assaults on four girls between 1969 and 1986.

Police are examining new claims of attacks in Britain, Australia and New Zealand - some carried out when the alleged victims were children.

The news comes after it was revealed that prison chiefs have moved Harris to a 'soft' jail because he was being bullied by inmates.

He could still be charged over any fresh evidence, even though Operation Yewtree - the Scotland Yard investigation into historic sex attacks by celebrities - is now closed to new inquiries.

Investigators will examine the new accusations and seek advice from prosecutors.

Former detective Mark Williams-Thomas, who was contacted by one of the original victims, said police had not stopped investigating Harris, adding: 'These new allegations are very serious and could mean Harris will face more charges.'

Before his disgrace, the singer and artist had painted The Queen and was a family favourite on television for decades.

But during his trial at Southwark Crown Court in London he was unmasked as a predator who was obsessed with under-age girls.

His victims, who suffered a catalogue of abuse, included an eight-year-old autograph hunter, two girls in their early teens and his daughter's friend of 16 years. Since his conviction, he has been stripped of a Bafta fellowship and awards in his native Australia, and faces losing his CBE.

Harris has been moved from HMP Bullingdon in Oxfordshire amid fears for his safety after other inmates verbally abused, threatened and spat at him.

He is now being held at Stafford jail, which has two wings for 'vulnerable' sex offenders.

Inmates' anger was fuelled by the belief that he had been handed a cushy job as a prison gardener - even though another inmate had waited a year for a similar role. They were also said to have resented the amount of time he monopolised a shared phone.

A source said: 'The other prisoners were keen to take him down a peg or two. He was moved for his own safety.'

The Ministry of Justice said Stafford jail was 'simply more appropriate for this type of offending'.

- Daily Mail