Veteran broadcaster Alan Jones is set to make his first court appearance today at Sydney’s Downing Centre Local Court following his arrest and a string of historical sexual assault charges. The 83-year-old now faces a total of 34 charges involving nine alleged victims, with offences said to have occurred between 2001 and 2019 across Sydney and Melbourne.
Jones, initially arrested in November, was originally charged with 26 offences, including 11 counts of aggravated indecent assault where the alleged victim was under his authority. Additional allegations include assault with act of indecency, sexually touching a person without consent, and common assault. Since then, police have brought a further eight charges after another alleged victim came forward in the wake of Jones’ arrest.
The charges now include:
• 19 counts of assault with act of indecency
• 11 counts of aggravated indecent assault
• Two counts of sexually touching another person without consent
• Two counts of common assault
The investigation into Jones’ alleged offences began after a joint feature by The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald, which detailed claims that Jones had allegedly used his position of power to target young men. In response, NSW Police launched Strike Force Bonnefin, a specialised unit tasked with probing the allegations.
Jones was arrested at his Circular Quay luxury apartment on 18 November following a police raid. He left custody in silence, flanked by his legal team, and was later granted bail under conditions reportedly including restrictions on travel and contact with alleged victims.
NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb encouraged other victims to come forward, stating, “There’s no such thing as a matter that’s too old to be investigated. What I’d say to victims is that there is no better time to come forward than now, and you will be listened to.”
Jones’ lawyer, Chris Murphy, maintains his client’s innocence, saying, “Allegations have been made. Nothing has been tested, nothing has been proven. He is presumed innocent. Mr Jones denies any misconduct and will defend the charges.”