Alan Jones trial: Ex-2GB broadcaster Jason Morrison says he did not witness alleged grope under table

A former 2GB presenter says he did not see veteran broadcaster Alan Jones grab one of his alleged victims under the table at a Sydney restaurant or that he had overheard remarks suggesting the man had “copped a feel”, a court has been told.

Mr Jones, 85, is standing trial in Sydney’s Downing Centre Local Court having pleaded not guilty to 20 counts of indecent assault and two counts of sexual touching.

He has denied all allegations made by the six alleged victims.

The second male alleged victim to give evidence during the trial – a man who can only be known as “Complainant C” – has alleged Mr Jones touched his penis on the outside of his clothes and kissed him without his consent on multiple occasions.

Mr Jones has been charged with touching C underneath the table during a lunch at a Sydney north shore restaurant nearly 20 years ago.

C previously told the court the incident was witnessed by several people, and it left him feeling embarrassed. He testified a guest at the lunch later remarked to him: “You copped a feel under the table? Did you like it?”

C told the court the comment was said in the presence of ex-2GB presenter Jason Morrison.

In his evidence to the court on Tuesday, Mr Morrison – who is currently The Daily Telegraph’s chief of staff – said he did not see Mr Jones’ hand under the table and in C’s lap.

“No, I didn’t, no,” Mr Morrison said when asked by Crown prosecutor Georgina Wright if he had witnessed the alleged incident.

He also denied observing C was “embarrassed”, telling the court C appeared “frustrated that he was over the other side of the table and he wanted to be over with us”.

Mr Morrison has told the court some people had remarked to C that he and Mr Jones “looked like a great couple”.

However he said that was “banter” and they were making fun of C because he was at the “adult end of the table” and it appeared “he wanted to be at the fun end”.

Mr Morrison previously described it as a “quite a fun occasion” and did not see anything untoward.

Ms Wright suggested to Mr Morrison that he made the joke about them looking like a “great couple” because he saw Mr Jones’ hand under the table.

“No,” Mr Morrison said.

“I mean if I was aware of that and given … my forthright manner, I would have raised it. I didn’t because I didn’t see it.”

Mr Morrison said the “great couple” comment was made because they were “making light” of the fact that he was at another end of the table with Mr Jones.

“I think it’s a big step to say we genuinely thought they were one,” Mr Morrison said.

He denied the comment had “romantic” or “sexual” connotations.

He also denied overhearing another patron telling C that he “copped a feel under the table”.

“I would remember it … it’s a fairly significant thing if I heard it,” Mr Morrison told the court.

The court has been told some of C’s allegations were first aired publicly by journalist Kate McClymont in late 2023.

Mr Morrison was asked if he had a “pre-existing contempt” for Ms McClymont and the Sydney Morning Herald.

He said he spoke to Ms McClymont about a story about Mr Jones and was happy to be quoted however it was omitted which he found to be “a bit average”.

He also said he believed that some of Ms McClymont’s reporting of some matters to do with ICAC was “a bit rich” and had experiences “which had allowed” him to form views about the Sydney Morning Herald.

C also said in his evidence that the incident occurred at a Sydney north shore restaurant, however Mr Jones said it occurred at another establishment.

The trial continues.