Full Breakdown
Alan Jones Trial: Fourth Complainant Testifies as Charges Reduced
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event – Testimony of Fourth Alleged Victim and Charge Withdrawal
On September 22, 2026, the Downing Centre Local Court heard evidence from the fourth of five male complainants, identified in court filings as “H”. H, an executive who met the former broadcaster at a Sydney event more than five years ago, said Jones placed a hand on his back, slid it down his spine and rested it on his bottom. He reported that he did not react at the time because he did not want to “cause a scene” and feared it might ruin the evening. H described feeling “disgusting and powerless” and said the incident gave him a new understanding of what women have endured.
The day before, September 21, 2026, prosecutors withdrew the sole indecent-assault charge relating to a 17-year-old complainant (“F”). The withdrawal reduced the total number of complainants from six to five and left Jones facing 21 charges—19 counts of indecent assault and two counts of sexual touching—spanning alleged incidents from 2003 to 2020.
Background & Context
Alan Jones, an 85-year-old former 2GB radio host and former Wallabies coach, has been on trial since September 2025. The case began with 44 counts involving 11 complainants and has been narrowed through charge withdrawals. Jones has pleaded not guilty and his legal team argues the allegations are fabricated and stem from media rivalry.
Timeline
- 2023 – A Sydney Morning Herald article detailed multiple allegations against Jones.
- May 2024 – H read a follow-up story by investigative reporter Kate McClymont and contacted her to recount his experience.
- June 2024 – H gave a police interview after McClymont passed his details to investigators.
- September 21, 2026 – Prosecutors withdrew the indecent-assault charge against the 17-year-old complainant (“F”).
- September 22, 2026 – H testified in court about the alleged touching and his subsequent feelings.
Official Statements & Responses
Prosecutor Georgina Wright SC announced the withdrawal of the charge against “F” and confirmed that the remaining 21 charges will proceed. Defense barrister Gabrielle Bashir SC characterised the case as a product of “media rivalry,” suggesting that rival broadcaster Ray Hadley may have colluded to bring complaints against Jones. Jones has consistently denied any non-consensual contact, maintaining that all allegations are “concocted.”
On-the-Ground Reports
H said his boss reacted with anger and support after the event, and he later confided in a colleague. He told the court that he had not made a formal complaint at the time and had no written notes of the incident. During cross-examination, H admitted his recollection of the exact moment of the alleged touch varied between statements to police, the journalist, and the court. He also acknowledged sending a text to a colleague expressing hope that “Jones gets what he deserves.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Memory of timing: H gave different accounts of when the hand-on-bottom occurred and could not recall precisely how long the contact lasted.
- Documentation: H did not keep contemporaneous notes or a formal complaint, limiting the evidentiary record.
- Email exchange: H testified that he exchanged a brief thank-you email with Jones after the event but noted that Jones was not seen again, creating a minor inconsistency regarding post-event communication.
What’s Next
The trial will continue with further testimony from the remaining complainants and additional witnesses. No specific future hearing dates have been announced beyond the ongoing week of evidence. The court will later determine whether the remaining 21 charges can be proven beyond reasonable doubt.