Rolf Harris trial set for April 2014

Australian entertainer faces nine counts of indecent assault

Rolf Harris arrives at the 2012 Bafta awards (Getty Images)

Veteran entertainer Rolf Harris will stand trial next April accused of indecently assaulting young girls, a court heard today.

The 83-year-old faces nine counts of indecent assault and four of making indecent images of a child.

Harris was excused from attending today's preliminary hearing before Mr Justice Nicol at the Old Bailey in London.

A plea hearing at Southwark Crown Court was provisionally set for January 14.

Harris's trial will start on April 30.