Alan Jones trial on indecent assault and sexual touching charges begins in Sydney
News Source
β’Sun, 02 Aug 2026 15:00:27 GMT
π° What Happened
The trial of former radio broadcaster Alan Jones, 85, has commenced at Sydney's Downing Centre local court, with the 85-year-old facing 22 charges including 20 counts of indecent assault and two counts of sexual touching. The judge-alone trial, presided over by Judge Glenn Walsh, is expected to run for four months and hear from 76 witnesses, including six complainants who allege they were assaulted by Jones between 2003 and 2020. The youngest complainant, who was 17 at the time of the alleged offending, is giving evidence in a closed courtroom. The defence's attempt to prevent media reporting of complainant evidence was rejected by Judge Walsh on Friday.
π The Backstory
Alan Jones was one of Australia's most influential media figures as a radio broadcaster on Sydney's 2GB, known for his conservative commentary and political influence over decades. The charges span a nearly two-decade period and represent one of the highest-profile criminal cases in Australian media history.
π― Why It Matters
This trial is expected to draw intense public and media scrutiny given Jones's former status as a media powerhouse in Australia. The four-month duration and 76 witnesses indicate a complex case, and the outcome could have significant implications for how historical sexual assault cases involving high-profile figures are handled in the Australian legal system.
The trial of former radio broadcaster Alan Jones, 85, has commenced at Sydney's Downing Centre local court, with the 85-year-old facing 22 charges including 20 counts of indecent assault and two counts of sexual touching. The judge-alone trial, presided over by Judge Glenn Walsh, is expected to run for four months and hear from 76 witnesses, including six complainants who allege they were assaulted by Jones between 2003 and 2020. The youngest complainant, who was 17 at the time of the alleged offending, is giving evidence in a closed courtroom. The defence's attempt to prevent media reporting of complainant evidence was rejected by Judge Walsh on Friday.
Alan Jones was one of Australia's most influential media figures as a radio broadcaster on Sydney's 2GB, known for his conservative commentary and political influence over decades. The charges span a nearly two-decade period and represent one of the highest-profile criminal cases in Australian media history.
This trial is expected to draw intense public and media scrutiny given Jones's former status as a media powerhouse in Australia. The four-month duration and 76 witnesses indicate a complex case, and the outcome could have significant implications for how historical sexual assault cases involving high-profile figures are handled in the Australian legal system.