Alan Jones’s lawyer has told the court he is concerned about an “anti-Jones crusade” arising from Sydney Morning Herald journalist Kate McClymont’s dual role as a reporter of his client’s case and as a witness.
Jones has been charged with 35 historical sexual assault offences allegedly committed in various places in New South Wales, including Newtown, Sydney city, Fitzroy Falls, Alexandria and Tamworth.
Jones was excused from Tuesday’s committal hearing, but his lawyer Bryan Wrench told the court that he had now received the brief of evidence and was aware that “the journalist who broke this story” had given a witness statement.
“As of today, she has published an article in the Sydney Morning Herald talking about the case when she’s a witness called in the proceedings,” Wrench told Sydney’s Downing Centre local court. “I’m worried it will be part of the anti-Jones crusade.”
A winner of 10 Walkley awards for excellence in journalism, McClymont’s contribution to the industry has been recognised by an appointment as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) and induction into the Australian Media Hall of Fame. She has won many other awards.
The Herald and Guardian Australia reported the details of a 35th charge Jones is facing after an 11th victim came forward.
According to a court document made available to media, Jones allegedly assaulted his 11th victim by grabbing and squeezing his bottom in Tamworth in June 2013.
Historical allegations of indecent assault against Jones were first raised in December 2023 by McClymont, who was in the Downing Centre court as a member of the media on Tuesday for Jones’s matter.
Wrench raised more concerns about the media, telling the magistrate that the media knew about the additional charge within an hour of his client being charged last week.
“We’re concerned about disclosure,” Wrench said. “We seek disclosure of all contact between all NSW police and the media.”
Magistrate Daniel Covington said: “What can I do with all that?” when Wrench raised his concerns, adding that he should take it up with the Office of the Department of Public Prosecutions.
Wrench said Jones formally entered a plea of not guilty but the magistrate said he could not yet formally enter pleas and adjourned the matter to 13 May .
Bevan Shields, the editor of the Sydney Morning Herald, said the newspaper was “proud of Kate McClymont’s exemplary work on this matter”.
“We stand by our reporting,” he said in a statement.
According to the NSW police brief of evidence for the latest charge, Jones allegedly “did assault Complainant ‘K’ and at the time of the assault committed an act of indecency on Complainant ‘K’, to wit, grab and squeeze left bottom,” according to detectives.
Jones, who turns 84 in April, is a former 2GB and Sky News Australia broadcaster.
He was arrested at his unit in Sydney’s Circular Quay on 18 November last year after a “long, thorough, protracted” investigation.
In November, when the first charges were laid against Jones, the NSW police commissioner, Karen Webb, told reporters police were anticipating more people coming forward. Since then police have twice announced new charges.
According to the charge sheets, there were allegedly 11 offences against one man, Complainant C, between 2008 and 2009, including touching his inner thigh, rubbing his penis and kissing him on the mouth.
Outside court after his first appearance Jones told reporters he was not guilty.
“I will not be engaging in a running commentary in the media but I want you to understand this,” he said. “These allegations are all either baseless or they distort the truth.
“I have never indecently assaulted these people. The law assumes that I’m not guilty.
“And I am not guilty.”
