Devon Defence Lawyer Sentenced to 13 Years for Decades of Sexual Abuse Against Vulnerable Clients
A retired criminal defence lawyer from Devon has been sentenced to 13 years in prison for sexually abusing vulnerable clients, including children as young as 14, over a 27-year period. Alan Harris, 72, from Plymouth, targeted victims during consultations in police and court cells, exploiting their circumstances and judging they would not be believed if they reported the assaults.
Systematic Pattern of Abuse in Supposed Safe Spaces
Harris was found guilty of 10 offences against seven individuals—six male and one female—committed between 1988 and 2015. The abuse occurred in locations where victims should have felt secure, such as police stations, adding to the trauma described by survivors in emotional statements at Winchester Crown Court.
One male survivor directly addressed Harris in court, stating, "Wrong choices brought me into contact with the police. I was young and vulnerable and I saw you as a professional individual. You should have been professional, but you did these depraved, sickening sexual acts. It was a systematic pattern of abuse." He detailed losing his home, family, and confidence, suffering night terrors, and living rough as a result of the abuse.
Profound Impact on Victims' Lives
Another survivor linked his 36-year heroin addiction to Harris's actions, saying, "He abused me when I was at my most vulnerable." A female survivor expressed gratitude for being believed by the jury but emphasized that the emotional and psychological trauma would last forever. These accounts highlighted the long-term damage inflicted by Harris, who showed little emotion during the proceedings.
Judge Morris condemned Harris's actions, noting, "There is no greater fall from grace than this. The victims placed their trust in you as their lawyer. They relied upon you as their legal adviser to help them when they were in difficult circumstances. In some cases, they were still under the influence of drugs or alcohol when you sexually abused them."
Defence and Police Response
Christine Agnew KC, defending, acknowledged Harris's fall from grace, mentioning his previous good standing in the local community and the difficulty he would face serving a custodial sentence. She noted that Harris had retired from practising as a solicitor in 2016 and had helped numerous clients over his career.
Ch Supt Roy Linden of Devon and Cornwall Police praised the victims' courage, stating, "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."
This case underscores severe breaches of trust within the legal system, with Harris exploiting his position to prey on those most in need of protection. The sentencing serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding vulnerable individuals in all professional settings.
