Multiple witnesses claiming they saw no evidence of sexual misconduct by controversial radio host Alan Jones could help clear his name, a court has been told.
The 84-year-old broadcaster has pleaded not guilty to 25 charges of indecent assault and two charges of sexual touching, allegedly committed against nine victims over a 17-year period during his time on air.
Jones is set to face a months-long hearing beginning in August. His lawyer, Bryan Wrench, told Sydney’s Downing Centre Local Court on Friday that much of the evidence obtained so far appears to support Jones’ innocence.
“We received 800 pages of material we believe is exculpatory of Mr. Jones,” Wrench said, noting that eight witnesses stated they did not witness any of the alleged misconduct.
The prosecution has indicated it may call up to 139 witnesses during the hearing, which could last up to four months. The defence has issued nearly two dozen subpoenas after being told by the prosecution that all relevant evidence had already been provided. “The cupboard was bare,” Wrench said.
Delays in producing evidence have been attributed by the crown prosecutor to issues of legal and journalistic privilege, including analysis reports on Jones’ phone. Negotiations over privileged material are ongoing and now also involve sensitive information about the complainants.
The case is scheduled to return to court on March 5.
Jones was arrested in November 2024 following an eight-month police investigation into historical sexual abuse allegations. He is accused of misconduct between 2003 and 2020, in both private and public settings, including restaurants, events, and the Sydney Opera House. Prosecutors say two of the alleged victims were acting as chauffeurs for Jones when the alleged assaults occurred.
Jones has denied the charges, describing them as “all either baseless or they distort the truth.” His legal troubles come after a long and influential broadcasting career beginning in 1985. Jones became known as a tough interviewer, dividing audiences with his outspoken views, and worked at Sydney radio stations 2UE and 2GB until 2020.
In addition to broadcasting, Jones also briefly pursued politics and coached the Australian men’s national rugby union team between 1984 and 1988.
