A former radio staffer told a friend that Alan Jones expressed affection for him years before the staffer disclosed alleged indecent assaults by the broadcasting figure, the NSW Local Court heard on Monday.
Jones, 85, is on trial after pleading not guilty to 22 counts of indecent assault and sexual touching without consent. Six men have alleged they were subjected to various forms of sexual misconduct by Jones between 2003 and 2023 at locations in Sydney and the NSW Southern Highlands.
Eight of the charges relate to one former radio staffer who claims Jones repeatedly kissed and groped him without consent over five months. This former staffer's colleague testified that the man had spoken of ongoing flirting with Jones. According to the colleague's police statement, the radio staffer had commented that Jones was 'in love with him' and had frequently flirted with him both in person and via text.
The former colleague stated that the radio staffer had also mentioned that media reports of allegations against Jones brought up difficult feelings, possibly using the word 'trauma'. He described these comments at the time as not being a 'red flag'.
It was not until 2023, after being contacted by journalist Kate McClymont, that the radio staffer confided in his former colleague about the alleged indecent assaults. McClymont's reporting in 2023 is said to have prompted an investigation that led to Jones's arrest the following year.
Following the conversation with McClymont, the former colleague contacted the radio staffer, who then disclosed that Jones had 'used to touch him inappropriately.' The colleague clarified that the staffer appeared agitated and distressed during this conversation, recalling that Jones 'used to full grab him on the cock, or words to that effect.'
The former colleague also referenced an instance when he and Jones were at a hotel with the staffer. The radio staffer had previously testified that Jones kissed him without consent in a hotel wardrobe, an encounter he pushed Jones away from. The colleague stated he saw Jones ask the man to 'come here for a moment' before they entered a bedroom, though he did not witness anything further.
Jones's defense barrister has accused the radio staffer of altering his account of his history with the broadcaster, claims the staffer has strongly denied.
During the proceedings, former broadcaster Jason Morrison concluded his testimony, stating he had not witnessed Jones touching the staffer under a table at an event. The court was informed that an email sent to Morrison concerning his testimony had been referred to the police for investigation. Judge Glenn Walsh cautioned those reading media reports to be careful to avoid committing criminal offenses.
NSW Police confirmed they are investigating a report of a threatening email received by a 54-year-old man.
Jones, a dominant figure in Sydney's breakfast radio slot for many years, has denied all charges. He also had a national broadcasting presence, including commentary on Nine's Today show and hosting a political discussion program on Sky News.