Former talkback host Alan Jones arrived at Sydney's Downing Centre Court on Monday to face the beginning of a trial over historical allegations of indecent assault and sexual touching. The 85-year-old has pleaded not guilty to 22 charges, which prosecutors allege occurred between 2003 and 2020.
Six complainants, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, will testify that Jones indecently assaulted or sexually touched them at various locations across Sydney and the NSW Southern Highlands. Prosecutors are expected to present evidence that Jones touched the groins of two men while they were driving and groped another two at public functions. He is also accused of kissing four of the complainants without their consent, with three allegedly subjected to this on multiple occasions.
Some of the alleged victims reportedly faced repeated assaults, with eight charges relating to one complainant and nine to another. Jones has consistently denied the allegations. In December 2024, a month after his arrest, he stated that he "never indecently assaulted these people" and that the allegations were "either baseless or they distort the truth."
Jones, a prominent conservative broadcaster and former Wallabies coach, arrived at court accompanied by security and did not answer questions from journalists. His trial is anticipated to be a lengthy one, commencing more than a year and a half after his arrest at his Sydney apartment.
The investigation into the allegations began following reports in Nine newspapers. Jones began his broadcasting career in 1985 and gained prominence for his outspoken views and interviewing style. He worked for radio stations 2UE and 2GB, where he was a long-term ratings success. His career was marked by several controversies. He also coached the Australian national rugby union team, the Wallabies, to a grand slam victory in his first year as coach.