The final complainant, referred to as "A" and now a doctor, told the Downing Centre Local Court on Tuesday that he first wrote to Jones as a 13-year-old seeking financial assistance after his father left, a family member died and his single mother was struggling financially. Jones replied calling him a "very sophisticated, articulate letter for a 13-year-old" and began an extensive correspondence spanning emails, texts and phone calls.
Over three years, Jones helped the family financially and on one occasion disclosed to the then-16-year-old that he had just signed a cheque for $86,000 for building work to his mother's home, adding: "That's just between you and me." The teenager told the court he would always tell his mother despite assuring Jones he was keeping certain conversations confidential.
Prosecutor Georgina Wright SC read out hundreds of emails in which Jones signed off: "Lots of love and best wishes, Alan Jones AO," adding phrases such as "You're always in my thoughts" and "You are a wonderful young man." Jones asked the teenager to keep some details from his mother, suggesting she was already burdened.
The court heard Jones invited the then-17-year-old to his farm in Fitzroy Falls in the NSW Southern Highlands, where the alleged indecent assault occurred. Jones took the teenager to lunch alone at a pub and had him visit his Circular Quay apartment twice.
The trial before judge Glenn Walsh continues. Jones denies all allegations.