Alan Jones faces 24 charges against eight victims, one aged just 17
Veteran broadcaster Alan Jones faces 24 charges of indecently assaulting, groping or inappropriately touching eight men over two decades.
It follows the 83-year-oldâs arrest on Monday as investigators searched his luxurious unit overlooking Sydney Harbour at Circular Quay.
Jones, who was once one of Australiaâs most powerful media figures, was taken a police station in the back of an unmarked car to answer indecent assault allegations.
NSW Police said later on Monday afternoon he had been charged.
âThe man was taken to Day Street Police Station, where he was charged with a total of 24 offences against eight victims, including 11 counts of aggravated indecent assault â victim under authority of offender, nine counts of assault with act of indecency, two counts of sexually touch another person without consent and two counts of common assault,â a statement said.
âHe was granted conditional bail, to appear before Downing Centre Local Court on Wednesday, December 18.â
State Crime Command Assistant Commissioner Michael Fitzgerald said police would allege the offences occurred between 2001-2019. The youngest of the alleged eight victims was just 17 at the time.
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âI wish to commend the victims and their bravery in coming forward. They fully are aware, as are the investigators, that the hard work is just beginning, and they have given their statements fully aware that they will go before the courts,â he said.
Mondayâs developments follow a complex, months-long police investigation into allegations aired in Nine newspapers that the former talkback host repeatedly used positions of power to abuse young men.
Fitzgerald said the newspaper reports led to more victims coming forward and the creation of the police strike force.
â[With] this information and a number of witnesses [who] have been assisting police over the year, the energy that was generated out of the newspaper articles has provided the ability for the police to put these matters before the court,â he said.
âWe believe that we will have more people coming forward with
information. So the strike force will continue.â
Jones, who is also a former school teacher and Wallabies coach, is accused of putting his hands down the pants of students and indecently assaulting several young men throughout his influential broadcasting career.
Earlier, NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb said authorities anticipated other alleged victims could come forward following Jonesâ arrest.
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âThereâs no such thing as a matter thatâs too old to be investigated ⌠what Iâd say to victims is that there is no better time to come forward than now and you will be listened to and we will take your matter seriously,â she said.
In December 2023, Jonesâ lawyer Mark OâBrien denied the allegations on his clientâs behalf.
âOur client denies ever having indecently assaulted the persons referred to ⌠and [the] suggestion that he has is scandalous, grossly offensive and seriously defamatory of him,â he said at the time.
Jones is now represented by Bryan Wrench of Murphyâs Lawyers.
Jones began broadcasting in 1985 after a failed political career and became a feared interviewer capable of grilling leaders while dominating the airwaves with his outspoken, conservative views.
He worked with Sydney radio station 2UE before joining rival 2GB, where he was a long-time ratings juggernaut.
His many controversies included suggesting former prime minister Julia Gillardâs father âdied of shameâ and encouraging former New Zealand leader Jacinda Ardern to be hit âwith a few backhandersâ.
Jones most recently broadcast via digital platform ADH TV. He has not been on air since November 2023, shortly before the indecent assault allegations were published.
He coached the Australian national menâs rugby union team between 1984 and 1988, with his tenure including historic achievements for the side.
They included leading the Wallabies to a grand slam of wins on their British Isles tour in 1984 and coaching the side to Australiaâs first Bledisloe Cup win in New Zealand in 39 years in 1986.
1800 RESPECT 1800 737 732
National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028
â with AAP
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