Witness in Alan Jones Trial Questioned Over Loyalty

A witness in the trial of former Australian radio host Alan Jones was cross-examined on Tuesday over text messages promising to refute lies and expressing deep personal loyalty to the broadcaster. Prosecutor Georgina Wright questioned the witness’s credibility as he denied seeing any inappropriate behavior by Jones during an alleged 2008 incident. Jones, an 85-year-old former 2GB and 2UE host, has pleaded not guilty to 22 charges involving six men.

Cross-Examination and Text Messages

During proceedings at the Downing Centre local court in Sydney, prosecution cross-examination focused on text messages sent by the witness to Jones. In one message, the witness told Jones, “if you need me to refute any lies, I of course will”. Additional messages read in court revealed the witness describing Jones as a brilliant mind and the greatest broadcaster in history.

Prosecutor Georgina Wright challenged the witness, alleging he prioritized personal loyalty to Jones over providing truthful testimony. The witness rejected the assertion, testifying that he answered every question truthfully. His appearance in court was delayed by two days after prosecutors gained permission to cross-examine him as an unfavourable witness.

Allegations Surrounding 2008 Luncheon

The prosecution asserts that the witness tailored his evidence to assist Jones regarding a 2008 lunch at a Mosman restaurant on Sydney’s lower north shore. A complainant identified as complainant C previously testified that Jones required him to sit beside him and placed his hand under the table on C’s leg or groin throughout the meal. Another attendee reported that complainant C appeared distraught during the event.

While other witnesses testified that the man under cross-examination had smirked and joked about the alleged groping, the witness told the court he had no memory of attending a lunch in Mosman. He maintained under oath that he had never seen Jones engage in sexually inappropriate conduct.

Reactions to Media Coverage

The court also reviewed messages sent by the witness following a late 2023 investigative report by journalist Kate McClymont published in the Sydney Morning Herald. In texts to Jones, the witness described allegations against the broadcaster as a witch hunt and directed disparaging language at McClymont.

When asked about messages referring to critics as sick, the witness testified he was describing political opponents who held long-standing grievances against Jones. He acknowledged contacting McClymont at Jones’s request to state that he had not witnessed any misconduct.

Background

Alan Jones was long one of Australia’s most prominent media personalities, hosting influential breakfast radio shows on Sydney stations 2GB and 2UE. The 85-year-old broadcaster faces 20 counts of indecent assault and two counts of sexual touching involving six male complainants. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.