Rolf Harris guilty: Presenter stripped of honorary degree from University of East London following sexual assault conviction

The entertainer was found guilty of 12 counts of indecent assaults on young women and girls

Rolf Harris arrives at Southwark Crown Court in London

Rolf Harris has been stripped of an honorary degree from the University of East London, effective of today.

The entertainer, 84, was found guilty of 12 indecent assaults on four young women and girls, one as young as seven or eight, at Southwark Crown Court on Monday 30 June.

In response, the University of London’s governing board agreed unanimously to withdraw the degree given to him in 2007 for his contribution to the arts and culture. The University has notified Harris’s legal team.

“The Board of Governors at the UEL has approved a recommendation by the Vice-Chancellor’s Group to withdraw Mr Harris’ honorary award, effective immediately today,” UEL told student newspaper The Tab.

“The University has communicated this decision to Mr Harris’s legal representatives.

“We would like to extend our sympathies to all those who may have been victims of Mr Harris’ wrongful actions.”

Harris will be sentenced tomorrow, Friday 4 July.

The children’s television presenter also received a doctorate of letters from Liverpool Hope University in 2010 for his to art and music education, although this is yet to be revoked.

“The University notes the decision of the courts, and pending any appeals will consider its position in due course,” said a spokesperson.

Video: Reaction to Rolf Harris conviction

He has already been stripped of his BAFTA fellowship in light of his conviction. He could also lose his CBE from the Queen, received in 2006.

The Honours and Appointments Secretariat to the Forfeiture Committee is able to revoke an honour if an individual has been found guilty of a criminal offence.