WHEN the terrible truth emerged about the despicable sex crimes committed by Jimmy Savile, the nation was sickened.

But while we were shocked by the depth of Savile’s depravity, and the way his celebrity status shielded him from justice while he worked for the BBC, we weren’t completely surprised that he had a dark side.

Even without the benefit of hindsight, we sensed the veteran disc jockey and television presenter was an oddball.

Rolf Harris was the opposite. He was welcomed into our homes. He was one of the most reassuring and friendly faces on television.

Chosen to front safety campaigns to encourage parents to teach their children to swim, and allowed into the inner sanctum of the Royal Family to paint the Queen’s portrait, he was the epitome of a popular and trusted family entertainer.

And that is why we find it so hard to come to terms with the reality of Harris as a Jekyll and Hyde character who was a secret abuser of children.

Not Rolf Harris – surely not. That was the instinctive reaction in millions of households.

Now, at 84, the cuddly, favourite uncle image we once took for granted has been replaced by a grim, staring face on a police mugshot.

His reputation is ruined, his CBE may well be taken back and, when he returns to court for sentencing on Friday, he almost certainly faces jail.

It is a case which shows we can never be absolutely sure that a celebrity is all that their public persona might suggest.

And while we must guard against witchhunts, we must also hope that the conviction of Rolf Harris helps change a culture in which the victims of sexual assault are reluctant to come forward for fear that they will not be taken seriously, or because they believe their attacker is untouchable.