Alan Jones paid alleged victim $110k over decade, trial hears
A student athlete allegedly indecently assaulted by Alan Jones has told a Sydney court the broadcaster paid him $110,000 over a decade. The man, now in his 40s, said he reported the abuse for his child's sake.
Former radio broadcaster Alan Jones has gone on trial in Sydney accused of indecently assaulting a young athlete, with a court hearing the 85-year-old paid the complainant more than $110,000 over a decade. The man, known as complainant J, is the first of several alleged victims to testify in the case involving 22 charges of indecent assault and sexual touching, all of which Jones denies.
Complainant gives evidence
J, now in his 40s, told Downing Centre Local Court on Tuesday that he met Jones when he was 14 and received the payments from the broadcaster over a ten-year period. He said he only reported the assaults to police after Jones's arrest in 2024, explaining that fatherhood changed his perspective. "I'm a father now, and I'm a proud father, and I want to teach my [child] right from wrong and what he was doing was wrong," he testified. "I feel like I'm here because of being unable to say no."
Under questioning from Crown prosecutor Georgina Wright, J described a sense of powerlessness that kept him silent for years, and expressed disappointment in himself for not standing up to Jones.
Alleged incidents at the farm
The court heard details of alleged abuse at Jones's property in Fitzroy Falls, in the Southern Highlands. J recalled that after dinner, over a glass of wine, Jones told him: "There is only one rule here: There are no rules." On one occasion, the broadcaster allegedly instructed the then-teenager to shower and come out wearing only a robe. J said he deliberately put on his underpants because he "almost knew what was going to happen". Jones, also wearing a robe, was sitting on a lounge when J entered and allegedly demanded, in a quiet, calm tone: "I said the robe and nothing." J said Jones then reached out and sexually touched him.
J also gave evidence about a later incident that same evening, when he was 17. After saying he was tired and going to bed, he heard a "tap, tap, tap" at his door. Jones came in, asked if he was okay, and then, in a "really passionate voice", told him "I love you mate" and pulled him into a hug. J alleged Jones "groped" his buttocks, undid his robe, pulled his underpants partially down, and pressed his body against him so their penises touched. J said he managed to step back and sat on the bed, and Jones left.
Defence: A campaign by media rivals?
Jones has consistently denied all charges, insisting the allegations are baseless or distortions of the truth. His defence barrister, Gabrielle Bashir, argued on Monday that the complainants were "egged on" by media rivals, specifically mentioning shock jock Ray Hadley and Sydney Morning Herald columnist Peter FitzSimons. Bashir questioned the reliability and credibility of the witnesses, suggesting a coordinated effort to damage Jones's reputation.
The trial is expected to continue with further testimony and cross-examination. The prosecution will likely present additional complainants, while the defence aims to undermine their accounts. Given Jones's decades-long career in broadcasting and political influence, the case has attracted intense media scrutiny.
What next
As the trial unfolds, the court will weigh the credibility of the accusers against Jones's denials. The outcome could have significant ramifications for Jones's legacy and for public perceptions of sexual misconduct in Australia. For complainant J, the proceedings represent a long-delayed quest for accountability, driven now by the desire to set an example for his child. A verdict will hinge on the consistency and persuasiveness of the evidence over the coming days.