A former criminal defence solicitor has been sentenced to 13 years’ imprisonment after being convicted of sexually assaulting clients while they were held in police and court cells.
Alan Harris, 72, of Plymouth, was sentenced at Winchester Crown Court by Her Honour Judge Morris following conviction on five counts of sexual assault and five counts of indecent assault. The offences related to seven former clients — six men and one woman — and occurred between 1988 and 2015.
The court heard that Harris abused his professional position over a 27-year period, exploiting the trust placed in him by vulnerable clients whom he represented in criminal proceedings. All of the assaults against male complainants took place in custody settings, including police cells at Charles Cross police station, Plymouth, and at Plymouth Magistrates’ Court.
In sentencing, the judge described the case as a profound “fall from grace”, noting that Harris had practised for four decades as a respected criminal defence solicitor before retiring in 2016. She emphasised that each offence involved a professional relationship in which the victims relied on him for legal guidance and protection within the criminal justice system.
The court further acknowledged that several victims felt unable to report the conduct at the time due to the imbalance of power inherent in the solicitor-client relationship.
Harris received a total custodial sentence of 13 years, comprising consecutive and concurrent terms. No sexual harm prevention order was imposed, and no order for costs was made.
The judge commended both prosecution and defence counsel for their professionalism throughout the proceedings.
