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Alan Jones' indecent assault trial and witness loyalty claims

By Updated 1 hours ago2 articles from 2 independent sources

Consensus Summary

Alan Jones, an 85-year-old veteran broadcaster, is facing trial for alleged indecent assaults dating back to 2008. Both ABC and Guardian report that a witness, described as a loyal friend, texted Jones in late 2023 offering to refute claims made by Sydney Morning Herald journalist Kate McClymont, whom he called derogatory names. The witness denies attending a 2008 lunch where the alleged assaults occurred, claiming his memory is unreliable due to the passage of 18 years. ABC reports 22 charges, while Guardian specifies 20 indecent assault charges plus 2 additional counts of sexual touching involving six men. The trial centers on conflicting accounts of Jones's behavior, with ABC detailing a witness who saw inappropriate actions and jokes, while Guardian's witness insists he never observed any misconduct. Text messages reveal the witness's strong loyalty to Jones, calling him 'the greatest broadcaster ever' and dismissing the allegations as a 'witch hunt' by 'lefties.'

✓ Verified by 2+ sources

Key details reported by multiple sources:

  • Alan Jones is charged with 20 indecent assault charges (ABC says 22, Guardian says 20; only 20 is common)
  • The alleged events occurred in 2008
  • A witness texted Alan Jones in late 2023 offering to 'refute any lies' about him
  • The witness called Sydney Morning Herald journalist Kate McClymont derogatory names ('low breed', 'pure evil', 'bitch', 'cunt') in text messages
  • The witness denied memory of attending a 2008 lunch where alleged assaults occurred
  • Alan Jones is 85 years old

Points of Difference

Details reported by only one source:

ABC News
  • The trial involves 22 charges against Alan Jones, not 20
  • A witness claimed he saw Jones rest his hand on a complainant's lap at a 2008 Christmas lunch and later made a joke about 'copping a feel'
  • The witness admitted calling McClymont a 'c***', 'low breed', and 'pure evil' in texts to Jones in 2023
  • Jones replied to the witness in 2023: 'I am sick of all this. [Ray] Hadley inspired.'
  • The witness claimed his lack of memory was 'genuine' and cited '18 years ago' as the reason
  • The trial mentions a 'Christmas lunch in 2008' at Jones's Circular Quay apartment
The Guardian
  • Jones is charged with 20 indecent assault charges and 2 counts of sexual touching involving six men
  • The witness called McClymont a 'bitch' and 'evil' in addition to 'low breed'
  • The witness described Jones as 'the greatest broadcaster ever' and 'the greatest influence' in texts
  • The witness claimed the allegations were a 'witch hunt'
  • The lunch took place in a Mosman restaurant, not Jones's apartment
  • The witness said he had 'never seen Mr Jones do anything sexually inappropriate, ever'

Where the reporting differs

Details that conflict, or appear in only some outlets:

  • ABC states Jones faces 22 charges, while Guardian states 20 indecent assault charges (with 2 additional counts of sexual touching)
  • ABC describes the 2008 event as a 'Christmas lunch' at Jones's 'Circular Quay apartment', while Guardian says it was a lunch in a 'Mosman restaurant'
  • ABC mentions a witness saw Jones rest his hand on a complainant's lap and made a joke about 'copping a feel', but Guardian's witness denies seeing any inappropriate behavior
  • ABC's witness claims he saw another guest (Jason Morrison) who allegedly did not see the assault, while Guardian does not mention Morrison

Source Articles

ABC

Alan Jones's former colleague quizzed over 'loyalty' promise

The former radio staffer referred to a journalist investigating claims against Alan Jones as "low breed" and "pure evil", a court has heard today.

GUARDIAN

Witness told Alan Jones he was ‘the greatest broadcaster ever’ while labelling SMH reporter a ‘bitch’

Former 2GB and 2UE radio host has denied 22 indecent assault and sexual touching charges Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast A friend of Alan Jones who has denied witnessing an alleged assault in a Mosman restaurant has agreed in court that he sent the broadcaster a text message saying “if you need me to refute any lies, I of course will”. Under cross-examination by prosecutor Georgina Wright, the witness agreed he w

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