Allegations of indecent abuse by one of Australia‘s most famous media personalities have been blatantly contradicted by multiple witnesses, his lawyer claims.
Former broadcaster Alan Jones is accused of sexually touching 11 alleged victims, the youngest of whom was 17 years old at the time of the alleged act of indecency.
The 84-year-old has indicated he will plead not guilty to 35 historical offences which are alleged to have spanned nearly two decades at a time when he ruled the airwaves.
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Today, his lawyer Bryan Wrench said the evidence against the radio host included statements which “we feel (are) blatantly contradictory to some of the allegations”.
“Some of the witnesses said they’ve never seen Mr Jones engage in any sexually inappropriate behaviour at all,” he told Sydney’s Downing Centre Local Court.
The raft of allegations include that Jones fondled the penis of one of the alleged victims and kissed them on the lips, and that he touched another on the bottom.
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Wrench suggested it was a matter for prosecutors to decide whether the matter should proceed.
The crown prosecutor asked for an eight-week adjournment to have the charges certified in preparation for pleas to be formally entered.
Jones was excused from appearing in court today and will not be required to attend when the matter returns to court on July 8.
He was arrested in November after an eight-month investigation by a police strike force investigating a number of alleged indecent assaults and sexual touching incidents between 2001 and 2019.
The veteran broadcaster vowed to fight the charges after his first court appearance in December.
“These allegations are all either baseless or they distort the truth,” he told media.
“I have never indecently assaulted these people.”
Jones has been charged with 33 counts of sexual touching without consent and indecent assault, including 11 aggravated charges because the alleged victim was under his authority.
He is also facing two charges of common assault.
Jones took a failed tilt at politics before beginning a hugely influential career on the airwaves in 1985, becoming a feared interviewer who excelled at interviewing leaders while dividing audiences with his outspoken conservative views.
He worked with Sydney radio station 2UE before joining rival 2GB, where he was a long-time ratings juggernaut until his retirement in 2020.
The former high school teacher also coached the Australian national men’s rugby union team through some historical achievements between 1984 and 1988.
Support is available from the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service at 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).
