In Sydney, athlete testifies in Alan Jones case — The Guardian
In Sydney, Australia, a former athlete, referred to in court as complainant M, testified in the case of former radio host Alan Jones. The man said that an unwanted kiss, which he says occurred more than ten years ago, has remained etched in his memory and that he wishes it had not happened. The Guardian reports.
Cross-examination by the defence
During cross-examination, the complainant confirmed that several months before the alleged incident, he sent Jones a shirtless photograph taken in Paris. He explained that he was responding to Jones's questions about how his stay abroad was going and sent the picture because he thought it was a good one.
Jones's defence lawyer, Gabrielle Bashir, showed the court correspondence in which the complainant communicated with the accused in a friendly tone after the alleged kiss. The lawyer suggested that no kiss took place at the 2015 awards ceremony. The complainant replied that he cannot rid himself of the memory of the event and explained the friendly tone in the messages as an attempt to distance himself from the situation.
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Charges and proceedings
Alan Jones faces 20 charges of indecent assault and two charges of sexual touching involving six men. He pleaded not guilty to all charges.
During questioning, the defence also asked the complainant about the seating of guests, the list of attendees, the timing of food service and award presentations, as well as Jones's location at the time of the alleged offence. The complainant noted that he may not remember certain details of the evening, including who sat at his table or the direction people were facing.
The trial at the Downing Centre Local Court is in its seventh week, presided over by Judge Glenn Walsh. The former athlete became the first complainant to agree to testify in a closed court hearing and meet Jones in person.
