Alan Jones has spoken for the first time since being charged with historic sexual offences. The 83-year-old appeared in Sydney’s Downing Centre Local Court today to face new charges relating to at least 10 alleged victims. Jones faces 34 charges, including eight more laid this morning.
Alan Jones speaks outside Sydney’s Downing Centre Local Court today. (Courtesy Channel 9) Facing a chaotic crowd of media outside the court, Jones said the allegations were “either completely baseless or a misrepresentation of the facts”. “First and foremost, I would like to say that I am absolutely not guilty and I will make my case to the jury,” he told reporters. “I will not be commenting in the media.” Jones claimed police “did not give him the opportunity” to respond to the allegations. “I have never indecently assaulted these people.” “The law presumes that I am innocent and I am indeed innocent. I am indeed innocent.” “That’s all I can say at the moment but I stress that I will defend every charge before a jury in due course.”
Alan Jones will appear in court today. (9News) This morning police revealed Jones has been charged with eight more counts of indecent assault. Police said in a press release that the new charges relate to a 10th victim. The previous charges were related to offences that occurred between 2001 and 2019, when the youngest complainant was 17 years old.
Police arrested Jones at his Circular Quay apartment. (Kate Geraghty) Police arrested the high-profile broadcaster at his luxury apartment at Sydney’s Circular Quay in November. Shortly after the high-profile arrest, another alleged victim came forward, leading authorities to lay two additional charges at the time. NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb previously said other complainants were expected to come forward after the allegations became public. “Nothing is too old to be investigated,” she said. “My message to the victims is that now is the best time to come forward and we will listen to you and take your matter seriously.” Jones’ lawyer Chris Murphy said his client would defend the charges. “He is presumed innocent,” he said. Jones began living an influential life on radio in 1985 after his political career failed, becoming a formidable interviewer who excelled at questioning leaders while dividing audiences with his outspoken conservative views. He worked at Sydney radio station 2UE before joining rival 2GB, where he was a long-time ratings powerhouse. The State Crime Command’s Child Abuse Investigation Team established Strike Force Bonnefin in March to investigate media reports of allegations of abuse by Jones. For support, call the National Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Advice Service on 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).