OAPs convicted of historical sex crimes are hiking population age in jails to record levels
PERVERT pensioners convicted of historical sex crimes are hiking the population age in jails to record levels.
There are now 1,903 inmates aged 70 or over in England and Wales — more than double the number inside ten years ago.
![EMBARGOED PICTURE: FOR PUBLICATION FROM TUESDAY 9TH MAY 2023 From Optomen TV ROLF HARRIS: HIDING IN PLAIN SIGHT Streaming from Thursday May 18, 2023 On ITVX Pictured: Rolf Harris POLICE MUGSHOT This two-part documentary tells the extraordinary truth behind the rise and fall of former national treasure Rolf Harris using rare archive and exclusive testimony from those closest to the trial. Harris was loved and trusted as 'the nations favourite uncle' but behind closed doors he had been betraying his family and the British public that had grown up with him by sexually assaulting children and young women for years. Over a decade on from his arrest, Harris accusers including those who have waived their right to anonymity to tell the story of how they say his assaults impacted on them, and the pressures that finally forced them to come forward to testify against him in court. With exclusive new testimony, the films tell the story of Harris decades-long grooming of his daughter Bindis childhood friend from the age of 13, and reveal the unseen evidence that led to his downfall. With Harris now back at home, and new allegations of abuse surfacing in Australia, the series asks important questions about how the criminal justice system deals with historical cases of sexual abuse. Do his accusers feel that theyve got justice? For further information please contact Peter Gray Mob 07831460662 / peter.gray@itv.com This photograph is (C)
and can only be reproduced for editorial purposes directly in connection with the programme or event mentioned herein. Once made available by ITV plc Picture Desk, this photograph can be reproduced once only up until the transmission [TX] date and no reproduction fee will be charged. Any subsequent usage may incur a fee. This photograph must not be manipulated [excluding basic cropping] in a manner which alters the visual appearance of the person photographed deemed detrimental or inappropriate by ITV plc Picture Desk. This photograph must not be syndicated to any other company, publication or website, or permanently archived, without the express written permission of ITV Picture Desk. Full Terms and conditions are available on the website www.itv.com/presscentre/itvpictures/terms](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/rolf_harris_hiding_in_plain_sight_01jpg-JS815935025.jpg?strip=all&w=656)
The figures relate to all crimes, but many are linked to sex offences.
The so-called Rolf Harris effect means there are now 389 inmates in their 80s — up from 112 in 2013.
And there are 25 in their 90s — a rise from one a decade ago.
But the trend is putting additional strain on jails, as the elderly inmates need more personal care, as well as regular transport to medical appointments.
David Spencer, a director at the Centre for Crime Prevention, said: “Perhaps the MoJ needs to look at a special kind of provision, such as a type of hybrid care home/prison for some of these very elderly and infirm criminals?”
The rise is being linked to victims being more willing to speak of historical abuse.
Celebrity perverts Rolf Harris, Gary Glitter and Stuart Hall were all brought to justice late in their lives.
But the law is also catching up with former teachers, religious figures and others with similarly dark pasts.
The CPS prosecuted 3,139 over-70s last year. Nearly 600 were sex offence cases.
The Ministry of Justice said: “The prison population now includes more people over the age of 70, as does the country as a whole.”