Monday, November 18, 2024

Alan Jones: Top radio host charged with sexually abusing 8 people

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All the charges, except two of common assault, are sex offences.

Police said some of the alleged victims knew the radio titan personally, and that at least one had been employed by him.

Others were allegedly assaulted the first time they met him, NSW Police’s Michael Fitzgerald told reporters.

“I wish to commend the victims and their bravery in coming forward. [They] have now got the ability to have a voice. This is what they’ve been asking for,” he said.

Commissioner Karen Webb earlier said police had conducted a “very complex”, “protracted” and “thorough” investigation, and expected other alleged victims may now come forward.

“There’s no such thing as a matter that’s too old to be investigated,” she said at a press conference.

“You will be listened to, and we will take your matter seriously.”

Mr Jones has been granted conditional bail, and will face court on 18 December.

A former teacher, Mr Jones coached Australia’s national rugby union team between 1984 and 1988, before pivoting to a radio career.

He also, at times, worked as a speechwriter and advisor for Liberal Party figures – including former Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser – and launched several failed bids to represent the party in both state and federal politics.

A staple of Sydney airwaves on local station 2GB for decades, Mr Jones juggled those duties with TV commentary gigs before he retired from full time work in 2020 citing health issues.

The broadcaster is a polarising figure, for years boasting one of the nation’s biggest audiences but often courting controversy.

He made headlines in 2012 for suggesting that then-Prime Minister Julia Gillard’s father had “died of shame”, and in 2019 faced a massive advertiser boycott after saying someone should “shove a sock” down the throat of New Zealand’s leader at the time, Jacinda Ardern.

Mr Jones has also been successfully sued for defamation many times.

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