The rise and terrible fall of Rolf Harris

A firm family favourite over decades, Rolf Harris entertained children and adults alike in living rooms up and down the country.

The Australian-born presenter, singer and artist was awarded a CBE for services to entertainment and the arts after he was commissioned to paint Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. His charity work and boundless enthusiasm whether on the stage or TV made him one of the UK's most beloved personalities.

But behind the quirky Aussie songs, wobbleboard and pet rescue shows lay a dark truth - one that would lead to his downfall in the full glare of a nation betrayed by his sexual offending.

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Harris - whose death aged 93 from neck cancer and 'frailty of old age' was confirmed today - was convicted of a series of indecent assaults in June 2014. He was jailed and lived out his life as a shunned recluse upon his release.

Former chief prosecutor Nazir Afzal, Chancellor of the University of Manchester, described him today as a 'paedophile who used his fame and power to groom young girls - and he never showed a moment's remorse'.

"His family may miss him, but his victims won't," he wrote.

Harris' string of indecent assaults included one on an eight-year-old autograph hunter, two on girls in their early teens and a catalogue of abuse against his daughter’s friend over 16 years.

His death certificate - which was revealed today after it was filed at Maidenhead Town Hall, revealed he died on May 10 and according to reports, Harris has already been cremated. The certificate lists the causes of his death as 'metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of neck' and 'frailty of old age'.

He died at home in the village of Bray, Berkshire, where he is said