Disturbing details of new Alan Jones allegations revealed after ...
Disturbing details of new Alan Jones allegations revealed after chaotic court hearing
Warning: Graphic content
Alan Jones allegedly masturbated as he “grabbed and squeezed” the penis of his 10th alleged victim, according to fresh charges laid against the former radio broadcaster.
The eight additional charges relating to a new complainant were revealed moments before the ex-2GB host and Wallabies coach faced court for the first time on Wednesday.
Before Jones arrived at Sydney’s Downing Centre court complex, detectives from Strike Force Bonnefin added the further charges to the existing 26 counts in which police allege he fondled penises, stroked thighs, squeezed bottoms, kissed “using his tongue” and pulled one man’s scrotum between June 2001 and December 2019.
Court documents relating to the 10th victim allege Jones “touched the complainant’s penis with his penis whilst squeezing the complainant’s bottom and kissing the complainant on the mouth”. The 34th charge against Jones alleges he “grabbed and squeezed [the complainant’s] penis whilst masturbating his own penis”.
Jones is also accused of having kissed the man on the mouth, “gripped and squeezed [the complainant’s] penis multiple times” and rubbed it with his hand. The acts allegedly occurred in 2003 and 2004.
In his first public statement since being criminally charged last month, Jones stood on the steps of the court and declared his innocence.
“I am certainly not guilty, and I’ll be presenting my account to a jury as you heard this morning,” he said, reading from a sheet of paper.
“These allegations are all either baseless, or they distort the truth, and you should know that prior to my arrest I was given no opportunity by police to answer these allegations.”
Earlier, chaotic scenes greeted the arrival of the former king of breakfast radio, who was wearing claret-coloured trousers, a yellow and blue patterned tie with a navy blazer. Balancing on a cane, Jones, 83, extended a helping hand to his lawyer Chris Murphy, who had fallen into the gutter as they alighted from a white BMW.
The statement read by Alan Jones outside court.Credit: James Brickwood
As they made their way through the media crush, Jones was peppered with questions from media while hecklers called him a “f---king maggot” and a “dog”.
Jones’ case was listed for mention in the court at 9.30am before Judge Michael Allen, the NSW chief magistrate. However, Jones didn’t enter the courtroom until 10.45. Court staff ensured a front-row seat for him. Occupying the front row on the opposite side of the room were detectives from Strike Force Bonnefin.
The strike force was established following a major investigation by The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age one year ago, which revealed allegations Jones used his position of power to prey on a number of young men, indecently assaulting them, groping or inappropriately touching them without consent.
Alan Jones in court on Wednesday.Credit: Rocco Fazzari
Bryan Wrench, another of Jones’ solicitors, entered a plea of not guilty on his client’s behalf to all 34 charges and asked that Jones be excused when the matter returns to court on March 11.
Wrench said there had been “untruths” published and that Jones “looks forward to clearing his name”. Wrench also said Jones welcomed the opportunity for a jury to decide the matter.
“He seeks to have these matters determined by the public,” Wrench told the court.
Wrench also complained about the arrest of his client, which he said was “very much choreographed and scripted”. Jones was arrested at his luxurious harbourside apartment in Circular Quay at 7.45am on November 18.
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The court also heard the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions would be prosecuting Jones’ case rather than the police. Prosecutor Matthew Harper said they were awaiting the brief of evidence.
The judge said the case would go through the committal process. This will determine whether there is enough evidence to proceed to trial before a judge and a jury of 12, which would be held in the District Court.
This may take longer than if the matter was to be heard by a magistrate in the Local Court, who can only impose a maximum sentence of two years for any single offence, or five years for multiple offences.
These restrictions do not apply to the District Court. Jones is facing multiple allegations of indecent assault which can attract a maximum penalty of five years. He is also facing more serious charges of aggravated indecent assault, which has a maximum penalty of seven years’ imprisonment.
Jones stood as Allen said his case was adjourned until next year, and the brief of evidence would be served on the Crown and his lawyers.
Credit: Matt Golding
Jones’ bail conditions, which included surrendering his passport and not approaching witnesses, were varied by consent, allowing him to “temporarily stay elsewhere”, as long as he gives detectives three days’ notice. Jones is planning to spend Christmas with his family on the Gold Coast.
His alleged victims, the youngest of whom was 17, cannot be identified. Police previously said Jones knew some of them personally, some professionally, and in some circumstances, the alleged abuse took place the first time they met Jones.
The former teacher and Wallabies coach announced his retirement from radio station 2GB in May 2020.
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