ROLF Harris is to stand trial via video link from prison for an alleged string of historic sex attacks dating back more than 45 years – because he will be too 'ill, tired, or hungry' to be in court.

The 86-year-old disgraced artist and musician faces eight allegations against seven females dating from 1971 to 2004 – one of whom is said to have been under 13 at the time of her alleged assault in 1977.

2 Rolf Harris is due to stand trial by video link because lawyers said he was 'too tired' to go in person Credit: PA:Press Association

He was charged earlier this year with seven counts of indecent assault and one of sexual assault as part of Operation Yewtree, the historic celeb child sex inquiry.

The earliest complaint dates back to July 10, 1971 when Harris is said to have indecently assaulted a girl under 16.

A third teenage girl, also under 16 at the time, is alleged to have been a victim of Harris's assault on New Year's Eve 1983.

Four other females have made claims against Harris relating to incidents in 1977, 1978, 2002 and 2004.

The alleged incident in 2004 also features an alternative count of sexual assault which jurors are expected to try Harris on.

The former Animal Hospital presenter appeared via video from HMP Stafford at Southwark Crown Court today and asked to stand trial via video link because of his frail condition.

When he appeared on the screen, Judge Alistair McCreath said: “Ah, the man himself.”

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Harris spoke only to confirm his name but listened intently as the hearing took place.

Steve Vullo QC, defending, said: “He is well-settled where he is and if he is to attend this trial in person he is likely to be transferred to HMP Wandsworth which causes him some trepidation.”

Vullo said Harris is worried about “difficulties he has in respect of infection” as well as other medical complaints, and argued it “makes enormous common sense” to allow him to stand trial via video link.

“Otherwise I'm going to be saying every morning that he's ill, tired, or hungry,” the lawyer added.

He said: “This is an elderly man not in the best of health who will be able to much more effectively be able to participate in this trial both by following it and giving evidence.”

Prosecutor Julia Walker said she had read about Harris' medical complaints and said: “There are reasons directly and indirectly that would justify it.”

2 Harris is due to be tried over eight historic sex abuse allegations Credit: PA:Press Association

Judge McCreath said he had “no difficulty” finding that the circumstances of the case are “exceptional” and justify Harris standing trial via video link.

The court heard that the arrangement could be a legal first, with Judge McCreath admitting: “I have no personal nor anecdotal [knowledge] of a trial ever being conducted in this way.”

The virtual links are frequently used to allow defendants to appear for preliminary and sentencing hearings.

“I'm doing it really because of Mr Harris' election to do it and if the technology breaks down then we will have to make progress with the trial in his temporary absence,” said the judge.

Speaking to Harris directly, he said: “You can be present at Stafford prison while your trial goes on.”

He replied: “Yes, I would very much appreciate that.”

Harris, formerly of Maidenhead, Berks., denies seven counts of indecent assault and one of sexual assault.

His trial, fixed for January 9, 2017, is expected to last four weeks.

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