Veteran broadcaster Alan Jones is facing a months-long court hearing, pleading not guilty to 22 charges of indecent assault and sexual touching without consent. Six men, who remain anonymous, allege Jones indecently assaulted or sexually touched them between 2003 and 2020 at various locations across Sydney and the NSW Southern Highlands.
The first complainant, who identified himself as a former athlete and Wallabies coach, told Sydney's Downing Centre Local Court that he met Jones when he was 14. According to the complainant, Jones provided gifts, including a mobile phone, a car, and a weekly stipend of up to $600, to support his athletic pursuits. The complainant stated that despite this support, Jones subjected him to multiple non-consensual kisses and groping incidents over a two-year period.
The alleged support and payments continued after the last reported assault, with Jones reportedly providing weekly payments totaling over $110,000 after nine years. During cross-examination, Jones' barrister Gabrielle Bashir questioned the athlete about his use of Jones for a character reference. The complainant confirmed he had used Jones, along with others, for a reference when he was sentenced for a traffic offense.
Bashir's questioning also focused on the complainant's knowledge of previous news articles regarding Jones' arrest. The complainant denied suggestions that he was not being truthful about not reading reports about the former radio host prior to his own arrest in 2024. The athlete testified that he felt compelled to report the allegations to the police in 2024 because it was "the right thing to do," stating that Jones' actions were wrong.
Jones has consistently denied all allegations. The hearing, presided over by Judge Glenn Walsh, is expected to continue with further testimony.
