A former employee of Sydney radio station 2GB is scheduled to begin giving evidence on Friday as the second accuser in the trial of veteran broadcaster Alan Jones. The 85-year-old faces 22 charges related to indecent assault and sexual touching without consent, which he denies.
The former staffer alleges he suffered eight indecent assaults at the hands of Jones during their time working together. Crown prosecutor Georgina Wright SC indicated that the employee would testify that Jones subjected him to inappropriate questions and unwanted physical contact, including groping and kissing without consent. These alleged incidents are said to have occurred on multiple occasions between 2003 and 2020, in locations including Sydney and the NSW Southern Highlands.
Ms. Wright suggested the former 2GB staffer would recount how Jones indecently assaulted him under a table at a crowded event. The prosecution also indicated that the employee felt his media career could be jeopardized if he openly resisted Jones's advances.
However, Jones's barrister, Gabrielle Bashir SC, challenged the former employee's account, suggesting a history of "rivalry, treachery, double dealing, money, hatred, desperation, opportunism" played a role in the allegations.
The first complainant, an athlete who met Jones when he was approximately 14 years old, previously gave evidence over six days, describing nine alleged indecent assaults. Jones has denied all accusations, which are alleged to have taken place during the latter part of his 35-year broadcasting career, a period during which he was a prominent figure on Sydney's airwaves and a commentator on national television programs.