Retired broadcaster Alan Jones has been heckled ahead of his first court appearance to face allegations of historical sexual assaults.
The 83-year-old appeared frail and ashen-faced, using a walking stick as he entered Sydney’s Downing Centre Local Court on Wednesday morning, as he faces a slew of charges relating to at least nine alleged victims.
‘You’re going down, Alan,’ one man shouted as he entered court.
‘Shame Alan, shame!’ another said.
‘You’re absolutely vile – you’re a vile old man!’, yelled a third.
‘You’re not normally lost for words, Mr Jones,’ a news reporter added.
Jones was facing 26 charges, including 11 counts of aggravated indecent assault where the alleged victim was under his authority.
The alleged offences related to nine people.
Pictured: Alan Jones, 83, arrives at court on Wednesday as he is shielded by his lawyers Brian Wrench and Chris Murphy
But on Wednesday morning, shortly before his scheduled court appearance, it was revealed another eight indecent assault charges had been levelled, relating to a tenth alleged victim.
It takes the total number of charges against Jones to 34, including 11 counts of aggravated indecent assault where the alleged victim was under his authority.
The previously laid charges related to alleged offences that took place between 2001 and 2019, with the youngest of the complainants aged 17 at the time.
Jones’ lawyer Bryan Wrench told the court his client would welcome a trial before a jury to clear his name.
‘There have been many … untruths published by the media and the police in this matter,’ Mr Wrench said.
‘The arrests were very much choreographed and scripted. He was always going to meet these allegations.’
Police arrested the renowned broadcaster at his luxury apartment in Sydney’s Circular Quay in November.
Another alleged victim came forward soon after the highly publicised arrest, resulting in authorities bringing two additional charges at that time.
Jones’ lawyer Bryan Wrench (pictured standing to his right) told the court his client would welcome a trial before a jury to clear his name
NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb previously said it was anticipated other complainants would come forward after the allegations became public.
‘There’s no such thing as a matter that’s too old to be investigated,’ she said.
‘What I’d say to victims is that there is no better time to come forward than now, and you will be listened to and we will take your matter seriously.’
Jones’ lawyer Chris Murphy said his client would defend the charges.
‘He’s presumed innocent,’ he said.
Jones began a hugely influential life on the airwaves in 1985 after a failed career in politics, becoming a feared interviewer who excelled at grilling leaders while dividing audiences with his outspoken, conservative views.
He worked with Sydney radio station 2UE before joining rival 2GB, where he was a long-time ratings juggernaut.
The State Crime Command’s Child Abuse Squad established Strike Force Bonnefin in March to investigate media reports airing allegations of abuse by Jones.
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