Witnesses have informed the police that Alan Jones did not engage in any sexual or improper behavior, as stated by Jones’ attorney to Sydney’s Downing Centre local court. Despite Jones being absent from the Tuesday committal hearing, his lawyer, Bryan Wrench, requested a time extension for the Department of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to decide on pursuing all the charges.
The 84-year-old has been accused of 35 historical sexual offense charges reportedly committed in various locations in New South Wales, including Newtown, Sydney city, Fitzroy Falls, Alexandria, and Tamworth. Jones, a former broadcaster for 2GB and Sky News Australia, received the evidence brief from the DPP on Monday, which includes witness statements that contradict some of the allegations.
According to Wrench, some witnesses have claimed they never witnessed Jones engaging in any sexually improper conduct. He suggests that the DPP should consider whether to proceed with the matter. During a brief court appearance before Magistrate Daniel Covington, it was confirmed that there are 11 complainants involved in R v Alan Belford Jones and the victims’ ages have not been disclosed, with the youngest being 17 at the time of the alleged offense.
According to a court document, Jones is accused of assaulting his 11th victim by grabbing and squeezing his bottom in Tamworth in June 2013. Wrench was granted an eight-week extension in agreement with the DPP. Jones was arrested at his Sydney unit in Circular Quay on November 18 after a prolonged investigation.
In December 2024, Jones appeared at the Downing Centre local court for the first time, where it was confirmed he will face a jury trial and that his lawyer stated he will plead not guilty to the 34, now 35, charges. Police initiated Strike Force Bonnefin in March 2024 to investigate indecent assault and sexual touching allegations concerning Jones, which were raised by Sydney Morning Herald investigative reporter Kate McClymont.
Jones denies any wrongdoing and plans legal action against Nine newspapers for the “demonstrably false” allegations. The charge sheets for Complainant C allege 11 offenses between 2008 and 2009, including intimate touching and kissing. Other alleged incidents include indecent acts at Fitzroy Falls and touching in various other locations.
The matter is scheduled to be heard again on July 8, 2025.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/media/2025/may/13/alan-jones-witness-statements-sexual-assault-allegations-ntwnfb
