What Alan Jones is accused of doing to young men.. as the broadcaster, 85, faces court for beginning of his trial

By ADELAIDE LANG FOR AUSTRALIAN ASSOCIATED PRESS Published: 01:44, 3 August 2026 | Updated: 01:44, 3 August 2026 Former talkback host Alan Jones has remained quiet as he made his way into court to fight historical allegations of indecent assault and sexual touching. Once paid handsomely for opening his mouth to share his opinions, the long-time talkback host opted to remain quiet as his fight against indecent assault allegations begins. The 85-year-old is facing the first day of a marathon local court hearing, having pleaded not guilty to 22 counts of indecent assault and sexual touching without consent. Six complainants will allege Jones indecently assaulted or sexually touched them between 2003 and 2020 at various locations across Sydney and the NSW Southern Highlands. None of the complainants can be identified for legal reasons. Jones didn't answer questions put to him by waiting journalists as he was ushered into Sydney's Downing Centre Court by security on Monday. Prosecutors are set to tell a local court judge the veteran broadcaster touched the groins of two men while they drove and groped another two at public functions. The one-time Wallabies coach is also accused of kissing four of the complainants without their consent, three of them on multiple occasions. Alan Jones arriving at Downing Centre Local Court  Jones opted to remain silent as he entered the court for the first day of what promises to be a marathon trial Some of the men were allegedly repeatedly indecently assaulted, with eight charges related to one alleged victim and nine to another. Jones has consistently denied the allegations against him, declaring that he 'never indecently assaulted these people' in December 2024, a month after he was arrested. 'These allegations are all either baseless or they distort the truth,' he said. 'The law assumes that I am not guilty and I am not guilty.' The former talkback host's long-anticipated day in court comes more than a year and a half after he was arrested at his luxury apartment in Sydney's Circular Quay. It followed a months-long investigation into allegations aired in Nine newspapers. Jones rose to prominence after he began broadcasting in 1985 and became a feared interviewer capable of grilling leaders while sharing his outspoken, conservative views. Jones is represented by high-profile solicitor Bryan Wrench and barrister Gabrielle Bashir SC. Jones has plead not guilty to 22 counts of indecent assault and sexual touching without consent. He worked with Sydney radio station 2UE before joining rival 2GB, where he was a long-time ratings juggernaut. His many controversies included suggesting former prime minister Julia Gillard's father 'died of shame' and encouraging former New Zealand leader Jacinda Ardern to be hit 'with a few backhanders'. Jones also coached the Australian national men's rugby union team, the Wallabies, to victory in his first year when they achieved a grand slam of wins on their British Isles tour. He has received a number of accolades for both his sports coaching and broadcasting contributions. National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028