Rolf Harris

Sorry: secondly that she thought he was a creep.

I just think of a time I was shopping with BF about 3 years ago and was tempted to buy one of his pictures (a large print); she dissuaded me firstly by saying that she thought they were crap not well executed, and that she thought was a creep. I was surprised, but she was always very astute and a good judge of character.

rowan, the letter is quoted at length in this report.

Yes, that's true - the law must take its course and you're right, the rest is society's response rather than part of criminal proceedings.
But I feel uneasy, just the same.

No, he committed crimes and the sentence needs to reflect the seriousness of those crimes. Being old is not an excuse to escape justice and if the judge decides on a custodial sentence then so be it.

Being stripped of honours, etc is not part of the justice system, merely a reflection of society's disgust at what he has done.
Any civil proceedings are separate from the criminal case.

I'm inclined to agree with you, Nonnie1, but the trouble is, if he doesn't get a custodial sentence, what message is that giving to other similar offenders? That said, the shame of what he's done, the current hatred and so on, is going to be a severe punishment.
I'm going to play devil's advocate here and wonder what was in the contrite letter he sent to a victim's father. Did he, at some stage, recognise he'd done wrong and feel remorse for it? Do we know what was in the letter exactly? Just wondering....and he's done awful, awful things to many women, it's clear, but no one is totally evil and beyond hope, surely. I'd hate to be him, or his poor wife or daughter, right now, that's for sure. How are his family going to cope with the fallout? There's no easy answer to that.

Agree up to a point Nonnie [welcome by the way] but feel that fame shouldn't provide a hiding place for any crime, and neither should age.

Hi everyone, I'm a new poster here.

I would like to add my views to what Blue22 has said and also say that I do not condone a single thing he has done, or indeed any of the others who have comitted historical sexual offences and hidden behind 'celebrity', but I would like to say that I feel at 84 he is too old to go to prison.

What ever sentence he receives will not be a life sentence, but in effect it may be if he dies as a result of this, or worse - if his wife dies.

Let's just examine what has happened. He has been found guilty and society who once loved/tolerated him now hates him.
He will no doubt, be stripped of any honours bestowed upon him including his CBE.
He will be sued and have a massive bill to pay to his lawyers resulting in the loss of his home and his money.

Isn't this enough?

Is this what we are about really??

I don't know what went on but get the gist, so well said Elegran. Puzzled why anyone would take a crack at whenim when her posts are probably the most reasoned, sensible and well-informed of all .

Papaoscar, it is sad that these cases could make people nervous about men caring for children or spending time with their GC but these cases are rare (although not as rare as most people think unfortunately).

It is good to be aware (and for you, too, to be aware of the behaviour of others around your DGC) without it dominating all aspects of your relationship with them.

I didn't see the ones after I reported the others

True Ana - I didn't have time to read them all properly as GNHQ were pressing the delete button with speed! Your and you're drive me bonkers, so it's probably a good job I didn't notice.

Papaoscar I truly understand what you are saying- but it is just too sad to contemplate. We are a very touchy feely family, and we will continue to be. If our grand-kids can't sneak in into our bed first thing int he morning for a cuddle, or we can't help bathe and dry them, or cuddle them if they fall or get hurt or are upset.... I refuse to let those few perverts spoil our healthy and happy family life. And I must say I am so happy to be now living in a country where teachers still comfort little ones if hurt or unhappy- where as a school Governor I was invited to join the school on a camping field trip and shared a tent with 8 young girls, where neighbours still hug the kids in the street and help care for them, etc. Sad beyond belief. Surely, this should be discussed with your children and their partners- and ask whether they would like you to adjust accordingly, as you describe, or would prefer for you to remain a 'normal' grand-pa to the grand-children.

Grammar not that good, Dragonfly1 - as in the use of 'your' rather than 'you're'!

The crack about me was fairly accurate! haha

I've read it again - wonderful, Elegran! Don't know what was said, but I've got an idea......

Flipping Nora, and I missed it all ;)

You shouldn't have said that Elegran, nobody would have noticed. I thought your post was top-notch.

And I missed out a letter. Pity.

Lots of rude words, Rowan. And nasty insults. Although, as far as I can recall, the spelling and grammar were quite good.

I love Elegran 's post. Wish I knew what sparked it, but it must have been very offensive to have been deleted!

Perfect, Elegran!

Dagnabbit - I missed all the fun again!

Elegran!

And you, kizzy, are a brain-dead ignorant child with nothing better to fill your holidays than to insult people you have not met. When you grow up (if you survive) , you will never be half the man Papaoscar is (I am assuming that you are a little boy, from your lanuage and attitude)

Oh dear.