Alan Jones won't answer questions from media throng as trial begins

The trial of former high-profile radio broadcaster Alan Jones begins at Sydney's Downing Centre this morning.

As Jones exited his vehicle to walk into the building, he was slowed to a crawl by a media throng, presenting questions to him such as, “How does it feel being the news after reporting the news?”, “Are you feeling nervous or stressed?" and “Will you continue to maintain your innocence?”

Jones's trial for for indecent assault and sexual touching charges was set to start at 9:30 this morning, which compelled another reporter to ask, “Why are you 20 minutes late?”

Jones, who was once one of Australia's most successful and popular radio identities, and made a living out of speaking, remained silent as he entered the court building.

His trial for indecent assault from six complainants is expected to run for four months and hear from 76 witnesses.

The complainants claim they were allegedly indecently assaulted by the now 85-year-old between 2003 and 2020.

Jones is facing 22 charges, which include 20 indecent assault and two sexual touching charges. 

The youngest complainant was 17 at the time of the alleged offending, and is giving evidence this morning, in a closed courtroom.

On Friday, Judge Glenn Walsh denied a request from the defence to prevent media reporting the evidence of complainants, The Guardian reports.

Jones’s barrister, Claire O’Neill, argued that under the Criminal Procedure Act, in-camera evidence was not permitted to be published.

But Walsh did not agree, saying he wasn’t satisfied in-camera meant “a non-publication or suppression order”.

Jones has previously denied all wrongdoing and said the allegations are baseless.

“I have never indecently assaulted these people,” he said outside court in December 2024. “The law assumes that I am not guilty, and I am not guilty.”