Alan Jones, a former 2UE and 2GB radio broadcaster, is facing 22 charges in a Sydney court, including 20 counts of indecent assault and two counts of sexual touching. The judge-alone trial is being held at the Downing Centre Local Court in Australia.

Jones, 85, has pleaded not guilty to all charges and denied all wrongdoing, stating the allegations were either baseless or distorted the truth.

Testimony from complainants

The prosecution alleges that Jones committed the indecent assaults and sexual touching against six men between 2003 and 2020.

One complainant, identified as Complainant J, testified that he was a 14-year-old champion athlete when he met Jones. He alleged that after breaking a record, Jones befriended him and provided a mobile phone, a car, and up to $600 per week.

During a visit to Jones's Macquarie Street apartment, Complainant J alleged that Jones made a comment about an athlete's penis, saying he had “a big cock.” He also testified that Jones gave him a 'peck kiss on the lips' without his consent.

Prosecutor Georgina Wright told the court that Jones is accused of committing nine offenses against one complainant, who was 16 years old and a budding sports champion when they first met. These allegations include kissing him multiple times without consent and touching him while the man was driving.

Wright further stated that another complainant, who was 21 years old and worked on Jones' radio program, will testify that Jones called him “darling” and groped him while he was driving.

Defense arguments

Defense barrister Gabrielle Bashir SC argued that the alleged victims were encouraged to complain by media rivals, including Ray Hadley and Peter FitzSimons. Bashir SC alleged that Peter FitzSimons harboured an intense dislike of Jones and encouraged complainants to make complaints.

Trial details and background

The trial is expected to hear from 76 witnesses and run for four months, though other estimates suggest the proceedings may involve more than 70 witnesses and last for several weeks.

Jones has a history in Australia, having previously coached the national rugby team, the Wallabies, from 1984 to 1987, where he won 86 of 102 matches. He also served as a speechwriter for Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser, who held office from 1975 to 1983.