Veteran broadcaster Alan Jones is facing 25 charges of indecent assault and two of sexual touching, following a case review which resulted in the exclusion of two complainants from the proceedings. The update came during a brief Downing Centre Local Court session, where it was revealed that a total of 17 charges against Jones had been dropped.
Jones, who was not required to attend the hearing, is now expected to face trial in a local court rather than before a judge and jury. His lawyer Bryan Wrench notified the court of significant developments in Jones’s case, including the absence of charges related to alleged aggravated indecent assaults or any assertions that Jones held any kind of authority over the complainants. Wrench also informed the court of ongoing issues concerning the disclosure of evidence to the media, calling for an eight-week adjournment to discuss these matters with the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
Additional charges were brought against Jones on Monday, with the lawyer arguing that media outlets were informed just 23 minutes after he himself was notified by the DPP, which he considered “extraordinary.” The court agreed to the adjournment request, rescheduling the case for November and setting a tentative trial date for 2026, with estimates suggesting the trial could last up to six weeks.
Jones, who is 84 years old, faces accusations related to a series of alleged offenses in New South Wales, occurring between 2001 and 2019. The investigation into the allegations against him began in March 2024, after reports by investigative journalist Kate McClymont of the Sydney Morning Herald. Despite the charges, Jones has consistently maintained his innocence, indicating his intention to defend the allegations in court.
The ongoing case against Jones continues to draw media attention, highlighting the complexities and challenges of handling such sensitive legal matters, which can become a significant strain on judicial resources.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/media/2025/sep/18/alan-jones-pleads-not-guilty-27-charges-ntwnfb
