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A former defence solicitor, Alan Harris from Thorn Park, Plymouth, has been convicted of multiple sexual offences committed against his clients. A jury at Winchester Crown Court found the 72-year-old guilty of five counts of indecent assault and five counts of sexual assault. However, Harris was acquitted on two counts of rape as well as nine other charges of indecent and sexual assault after a trial lasting five weeks.
The incidents described during the court proceedings involved assaults occurring in various locations, including the cells at Charles Cross Police Station, Plymouth Magistrates’ Court, and Harris’s vehicle. The victims comprised six men and one woman, all of whom Harris had represented legally at different times between 1989 and 2015. Although another man accused Harris of indecent assault, that particular charge was dismissed by the jury.
Throughout the trial, evidence emerged that Harris coerced his clients into performing sexual acts on him, in addition to inappropriately touching them. Prosecution barrister Anne Whyte KC argued that Harris lacked any respect for those he abused and suggested that his participation in the trial was motivated by a desire to protect himself rather than to take responsibility. She said, “I’m going to suggest he’s done that because he’s banking on the victims being seen as second-class citizens and witnesses.” In contrast, Harris’s defence counsel, Christine Agnew KC, portrayed the accusers as convicted criminals who had fabricated their stories. Harris himself testified that any physical contact he made was “pre-arranged” and non-sexual, intended only to help clients focus or remain quiet during interviews.
Following the verdict, Judge Angela Morris, Recorder of Winchester, expressed gratitude to the jury for their work, acknowledging the difficulty of the case by saying, “This has not been an easy matter by any stretch of the imagination.” Harris was later released on conditional bail pending sentencing scheduled for 25 and 26 February at the same court.
Ch Supt Roy Linden, the senior investigating officer from Devon and Cornwall Police, praised the bravery of the victims, describing the offences as “despicable” and emphasizing that Harris targeted vulnerable individuals, believing they would not be believed. He stated, “The victims in this case have shown enormous courage in reporting these offences, placing trust in the criminal justice process and in giving evidence in court. Our thoughts are with them today.” He also encouraged others who have experienced sexual offences to come forward, assuring that every allegation will be carefully reviewed based on its individual merits
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