Alan Harris 72

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A former Plymouth criminal defence solicitor has been found guilty of sexually assaulting clients he had been appointed to help.

Alan Harris, 72, was today convicted of 10 offences against seven victims – six male and one female - following a five-week trial at Winchester Crown Court.

Harris committed the offences between 1988 and 2015 with the majority happening during private legal consultations at Plymouth Magistrates’ Court and Charles Cross police station.

Harris, of Thorn Park, Plymouth, denied the charges but was found guilty today, 10 December, of five counts of indecent assault and five sexual assaults.

He will be sentenced at Winchester Crown Court on 25 and 26 February 2026.

Senior Investigating Officer Chief Superintendent Roy Linden said:

“We welcome the jury’s guilty verdicts at Winchester Crown Court today.

“Alan Harris has been convicted of despicable sexual offences against victims he targeted because of their vulnerability, thinking nobody would ever believe them. 

“The victims in this case have shown enormous courage in reporting these offences, placing trust in the criminal justice process and in giving evidence in court. Our thoughts are with them today.

“Speaking directly to victims of sexual offences: We would encourage anyone who has been in this situation to come forward, and we will review each case on its own merits to determine if there is sufficient evidence to proceed.”