Alan Jones scores minor court win before abuse hearing
Former shock jock Alan Jones has scored a small victory in court as one of dozens of harassment charges against him is dropped as he prepares for a lengthy court battle.
The 85-year-old man faces a four-month trial in August after pleading not guilty to 26 charges of indecent assault and sexual touching.
However, prosecutors stated that an incident that occurred in 2013 would no longer be part of the case.
In court on Tuesday, the prosecutor said the indecent assault charge would be withdrawn.
The charge stemmed from an incident in Tamworth in north-west NSW where Jones allegedly grabbed the complainant’s bottom.
Prosecutor James Staples told Downing Center Local Court: “(The director of public prosecutions) has indicated that no further action will be taken (on this charge).”
Jones has maintained his innocence on all charges since the allegations were made in 2024, and his lawyer has previously stated that he has evidence to refute the allegations.
In May, Jones’ lawyer, Bryan Wrench, told the court that his client had received a statement from his housekeeper of 18 years who said he had not seen any inappropriate behavior from his boss.
The complexity of the case and the difficulties of piecing together evidence from eight complainants caused multiple headaches for all parties.
A high-profile reporter who has covered the former radio star for years has yet to comply with a subpoena request, Mr. Wrench said in court Tuesday.
Jones was charged in 2023 by Sydney Morning Herald journalist Kate McClymont following an investigation into his conduct.
McClymont was ordered, pursuant to the subpoena, to publish newspaper articles addressing Jones’ allegations.
Mr. Wrench said in March that the reporter refused to provide notes from the investigation or interviews with witnesses to Jones’ defense team.
Journalists generally speak to sources under strict confidentiality and are not automatically required to disclose information to defense attorneys.
The deadline for the return of the subpoena has been postponed to June 9.
The case will return to court on June 19, when a decision is expected on the legality of the search warrants executed at Jones’ dockside apartment.
Officers searched the 85-year-old’s Sydney home in November 2024 but his lawyers claimed the arrest warrants may have been invalid.
Lawyer Gabrielle Bashir SC said on May 5 that the warrant was apparently bad, in part because it meant Jones was accused of having sexual intercourse without consent, among other offences.
Ms. Bashir argued that these were not the charges the radio veteran was facing.
Jones had faced historic sexual offense allegations against 11 people, the youngest of whom was 17 at the time, until prosecutors refiled the case in September.
Allegations involving two alleged victims were withdrawn, and accusations that the conduct was aggravated or that Jones had power or authority over the alleged victims were withdrawn.
The withdrawal of the charge on Tuesday left the former Wallabies coach facing charges relating to eight complainants.
The accusations, which Jones claimed were “either unfounded or distorted the truth”, followed his retirement from the highly influential broadcasting career he launched in 1985.
During his decades on the air, Jones became a feared interviewer who excelled at questioning leaders while dividing audiences with his outspoken views.
Before joining rival 2GB, he worked at Sydney radio station 2UE, where he was a ratings blockbuster until 2020.
Apart from his unsuccessful stint in politics, he also coached the Australian national men’s rugby union team between 1984 and 1988.
1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)
National Sexual Abuse and Resolution Support Service 1800 211 028
