Alan Jones’ court hearing to determine indecent assault charges has been set for August 3 next year.
A Sydney court was told the hearing could extend over more than four months, and that there could be up to 139 witnesses involved in the Crown’s case.
Jones, 84, faces 27 charges in total, 25 of which are for indecent assault and two of sexual touching against nine alleged victims between 2003 and 2020.
Jones’ legal team says he was kept in the dark about parts of the police investigation, and he has denied all allegations, pleading not guilty to all charges.
The latest developments were heard at Sydney’s John Maddison Tower, where Jones did not appear and was excused from attending.
Jones’ defence solicitor Bryan Wrench said his client would also call his own witnesses, saying “we believe there is an iceberg of exculpatory material”. Wrench also criticised the prosecution for “depriving” Jones of a jury trial.
Ahead of the main hearing in August, preliminary legal issues are likely to be argued during an earlier hearing in May.
Timeline of events
A former radio host and teacher, Jones was charged after an investigation by Sydney Morning Herald journalist Kate McClymont in 2023, which revealed that he had used his positions of power to allegedly prey on multiple young men over the course of almost 60 years.
Jones was arrested in November 2024 after an eight-month police investigation, called Strike Force Bonnefin.
He was initially charged with dozens of offences that were dropped or downgraded throughout a year-long legal process. Eleven counts of aggravated indecent assault were replaced with lesser offences, and the number of complainants was reduced from eleven to nine.
These changes also meant the proceedings would remain in the Local Court before a magistrate, rather than the District Court before a jury.
Shortly after Jones’ arrest, court documents reportedly showed allegations such as inappropriate touching in locations such as his luxury Circular Quay apartment and other Sydney spots, Fitzroy Falls and Tamworth.
However, in September 2025, further details emerged about the alleged crime scenes and circumstances of Jones’ charges.
Allegations against Jones included incidents of assault at a Kiama restaurant, a Mosman restaurant, getting driven home from work, at an event in Tamworth, other events in Sydney and during a performance at the Sydney Opera House in 2014.
Jones has denied all allegations since his arrest.
In May 2020, Jones announced his retirement from radio station 2GB on Sky News. His contract with Sky News Australia was not renewed in November 2021.
Later, Jones joined streaming news channel ADH TV, with his last show airing in November 2023.
His broadcasting career spanned more than 35 years. Jones coached Australia’s national rugby union team between 1984 and 1988.
If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, domestic, family or sexual violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au for online chat and video call services.
If you are concerned about your behaviour or use of violence, you can contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491 or visit http://www.ntv.org.au.