Alan Jones: Former 2GB broadcasters says he’s ‘not guilty’ at first court appearance for alleged historical sex offences

Alan Jones has made his first court appearance as fresh assault charges relating to a 10th alleged victim were brought against the veteran broadcaster.

The 83-year-old appeared at Sydney’s Downing Centre Local Court on Wednesday as he faced a slew of charges over allegations of historical sexual offences spanning almost two decades.

“Firstly let me say this, I am certainly not guilty,” Mr Jones said outside the Downing Centre court in Sydney.

“I will be presenting my account to a jury as you heard this morning. I will not be engaging in a running commentary in the media.

“These allegations are all either baseless or they distort the truth.

“You should know, that prior to my arrest I was given no opportunity by police to answer any of these allegations.

“I have never indecently assaulted these people

“The law assumes that I am not guilty and I am not guilty.

“That’s all I can say at the moment, but I am emphatic that I will be defending every charge before a jury in due course.”

Mr Jones’ lawyer Bryan Wrench told the court his client would welcome a trial before a jury to clear his name.

“There have been many untruths published by the media and the police in this matter,” Mr Wrench said.

“The arrests were very much choreographed and scripted. He was always going to meet these allegations.”

Shortly before the scheduled court appearance, it was revealed another eight indecent assault charges had been levelled relating to a 10th complainant.

It takes the total number of charges against Mr Jones to 34, including 11 counts of aggravated indecent assault where the alleged victim was under his authority.

The previously laid charges related to alleged offences that took place between 2001 and 2019, with the youngest of the complainants aged 17 at the time.

With the case drawing a large amount of media interest, Judge Michael Allen was forced to ask some journalists to wait outside the court while other matters were called.

“The court will get to the matter which I’m sure is interesting most of you at the appropriate juncture,” he said.

Police arrested the renowned broadcaster at his luxury apartment in Sydney’s Circular Quay in November.

Another alleged victim came forward soon after the highly publicised arrest, resulting in authorities bringing two additional charges at that time.

NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb previously said it was anticipated other complainants would come forward after the allegations became public.

“There’s no such thing as a matter that’s too old to be investigated,” she said.

“What I’d 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.”

Mr Jones’ other lawyer Chris Murphy earlier flagged that his client planned to defend the charges.

“He’s presumed innocent,” he said.

Mr Jones began a hugely influential life on the airwaves in 1985 after a failed career in politics, becoming a feared interviewer who excelled at grilling leaders while dividing audiences with his outspoken, conservative views.

He worked with Sydney radio station 2UE before joining rival 2GB, where he was a long-time ratings juggernaut.

The State Crime Command’s Child Abuse Squad established Strike Force Bonnefin in March to investigate media reports airing allegations of abuse by Mr Jones.

1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)

National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028