Prosecutors have downgraded some of the most serious sex abuse charges against veteran broadcaster and former Wallabies coach Alan Jones after a court hearing on Thursday. Mr. Jones now faces 27 charges that allege he indecently assaulted or groped nine men over two decades.
Eleven charges of aggravated indecent assault—deemed more serious as they allegedly related to people under his authority—were downgraded on Thursday, with some charges dropped altogether.
The influential 84-year-old media figure has denied all charges and the case—now to be heard before a magistrate, not a jury—will return to court next month.
Deputy Chief Magistrate Sharon Freund noted a reformation of the case following two alleged victims' withdrawal, although the reasons remain unclear. Consequently, Mr. Jones now faces 25 counts of indecent assault and two counts of sexual touching.
His lawyer Bryan Wrench labeled the dropped charges a very big development and a significant concession, emphasizing that there was no suggestion Mr. Jones had authority over the complainants, some of whom knew him personally.
Outside court, Jones has described the allegations as either baseless or distortions of the truth. Once a teacher, he coached Australia's national rugby union team before transitioning to a radio career. Known for stirring controversy, he also faced advertiser boycotts and defamation lawsuits throughout his career. Jones retired from full-time work in 2020, citing health issues.
Eleven charges of aggravated indecent assault—deemed more serious as they allegedly related to people under his authority—were downgraded on Thursday, with some charges dropped altogether.
The influential 84-year-old media figure has denied all charges and the case—now to be heard before a magistrate, not a jury—will return to court next month.
Deputy Chief Magistrate Sharon Freund noted a reformation of the case following two alleged victims' withdrawal, although the reasons remain unclear. Consequently, Mr. Jones now faces 25 counts of indecent assault and two counts of sexual touching.
His lawyer Bryan Wrench labeled the dropped charges a very big development and a significant concession, emphasizing that there was no suggestion Mr. Jones had authority over the complainants, some of whom knew him personally.
Outside court, Jones has described the allegations as either baseless or distortions of the truth. Once a teacher, he coached Australia's national rugby union team before transitioning to a radio career. Known for stirring controversy, he also faced advertiser boycotts and defamation lawsuits throughout his career. Jones retired from full-time work in 2020, citing health issues.
