Alan Jones court developments are a reminder of the importance of investigative journalism

In the long and turbulent story of broadcaster Alan Jones, 2026 looms as his defining year.

The former broadcaster wielded huge influence over Australia, and our city, for decades. But Jones’ protected species status came crashing down in December 2023 when the Herald revealed allegations that Jones used his position of power to prey on a number of young men, indecently assaulting them, groping or inappropriately touching them without their consent.

That investigation by the Herald’s chief investigative reporter Kate McClymont sparked the secret creation of Strike Force Bonnefin, run by the State Crime Command’s child abuse and sex crimes squad, which spent the next year examining the former 2GB broadcaster. He was charged in November last year with 24 offences against eight alleged victims spanning two decades.

The case has been rolling along ever since. But there were some significant developments when the case was mentioned before the John Maddison Tower Local Court this week.

We found out Jones’ trial will now be conducted before a magistrate alone in the Local Court, rather than before a jury in the District Court. It is unclear whether this is a good or bad thing for Jones, or the prosecution, but it’s worth noting that Jones last year said he looked forward to the case being heard by a jury.

We also heard that the number of alleged victims in the case has dropped from 11 to nine. Jones now faces a total of 25 counts of indecent assault and two counts of sexual touching.

The Herald’s Clare Sibthorpe used this week’s court mention to gain access to documents that shed fresh light on the alleged offences, including the locations where police claim they occurred. Some of what follows is graphic in nature.

These documents allege that one complainant was assaulted five times at Jones’ Fitzroy Falls residence by being kissed on the lips, having his robe undone and his underpants removed, Jones rubbing his penis against his own and touching and squeezing the complainant’s penis while masturbating. That same man was allegedly assaulted while driving Jones to the Fitzroy Falls home and twice in Jones’ Sydney home.

Jones allegedly assaulted a man three times at a Kiama restaurant. That same year, Jones allegedly assaulted another man twice while being driven home from work, kissed him in the lift of his Sydney home three times and twice in the lift of his workplace, and touched his penis on the outside of his clothing at Gunners Barracks restaurant in Mosman.

Jones allegedly assaulted another complainant at a Sydney function, touching and squeezing their bottom outside their clothing.

He is also accused of rubbing another man’s leg “up towards his crotch” during a performance at Sydney Opera House.

Jones denies the allegations and is entitled to his day in court. But this extraordinary story is another reminder of the critical role of investigative journalism, which the Herald can practise thanks only to the ongoing support of our loyal subscribers and readers.