An ex-girlfriend of a prominent athlete testified in court that he appeared visibly shaken and described his experience as "like he'd seen a ghost" after visiting media personality Alan Jones.
The athlete, now in his 40s, is one of six men accusing Jones of indecent assault and sexual touching without consent between 2003 and 2020. Jones has pleaded not guilty to 22 charges related to these allegations.
According to the ex-girlfriend's testimony in court on Tuesday, the athlete disclosed the alleged misconduct shortly after leaving Jones's property. "Alan Jones touched me inappropriately," the athlete reportedly told her. When asked if he wanted to report the incident, he allegedly responded with a "very firm no" and instructed her not to tell anyone.
Relationship and Disclosure
The athlete and his ex-girlfriend maintained contact after their breakup. In 2024, the athlete reportedly reached out, stating, "I'd like to come forward and tell my truth." He also shared details of the alleged groping that his ex-girlfriend recalled from years prior, a detail he had apparently forgotten.
The athlete did not inform his mother or brother of the alleged assaults until after Jones's arrest in 2024. He explained to his brother that he had not come forward earlier due to not wanting to jeopardize the financial support Jones had provided. For nine years, Jones allegedly supplied the athlete with a mobile phone, a car, and a weekly stipend of up to $600 to support his athletic career.
When questioned about the severity of the alleged assaults by his brother, the athlete reportedly described them as "Nothing too bad, he didn't try to f*** me or anything like that. He would try, he would grab me on the cock or to kiss me." The athlete's brother told the court he had not witnessed any inappropriate behavior from Jones towards the athlete and was unaware of the athlete feeling fearful or trying to avoid Jones.
Jones had also offered assistance to the athlete's brother, including help with an engagement ring and hosting a dinner for the newlyweds.
Hesitation to Report
The athlete also explained to his mother that he refrained from telling her about the incidents before going to the police because he believed she would pressure him to come forward before he was ready. He expressed a fear of being disbelieved and "crushed in court."
During cross-examination, the athlete acknowledged inconsistencies in his statements but maintained he was doing his best to recall events from two decades ago. The court heard that Jones, during the period of the alleged offenses, was a dominant figure in Sydney's radio landscape, frequently topping breakfast ratings.
Support services are available for those affected by sexual assault, including 1800 RESPECT and the National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service.