Investigative journalist Kate McClymont has told the trial of former broadcaster Alan Jones that she contacted a complainant the day after he told his wife he would tell her everything if she called, describing the timing as a “bizarre coincidence”. McClymont, whose reporting of sexual assault allegations against Jones triggered a police investigation in 2024, gave evidence during her third day in the witness box at Sydney’s Downing Centre Local Court.
Jones, 85, is standing trial on 19 counts of indecent assault and two counts of sexual touching without consent against five male complainants, with the alleged offences spanning 2003 to 2020. He has pleaded not guilty and denies the acts occurred.
McClymont was asked about a text message that complainant "C had received from Jones. For some bizarre reason I ring the next day," McClymont said.
"Alan was protected, he was the Golden Goose," "C said. He told the court he felt regret every day that he didn't fight back or say 'no' louder, but you couldn't".
The trial continues.
Analysis
Why This Matters
- The trial of Alan Jones is a high-profile case involving a once-dominant media figure and accusations of serial sexual abuse spanning many years.
- The journalist's testimony provides insight into how the investigation unfolded and the unusual circumstances that led to a key witness coming forward.
- The case highlights issues of power imbalance in workplace relationships and the challenges faced by alleged victims in speaking out.
Background
Alan Jones is a former Australian radio broadcaster, best known for his breakfast program on Sydney's 2GB. He was widely influential and controversial. In 2024, following an investigation by journalist Kate McClymont, he was charged with 21 counts of indecent assault and sexual touching against five men. The trial is being held at the Downing Centre Local Court in Sydney.
Key Perspectives
- Alan Jones: Has pleaded not guilty to all charges and denies the alleged acts ever occurred.
- Defence (Gabrielle Bashir, SC): Has argued that the allegations are the product of "rivalry, treachery, double-dealing, money, hatred, desperation, opportunism and more", pointing to the involvement of rival broadcaster Ray Hadley.
What to Watch
- Further testimony from McClymont and other witnesses as the trial continues.
- Whether the jury will be influenced by the defence's narrative of ulterior motives.
- A verdict that could carry significant consequences for Jones's legacy and for similar cases of historical sexual assault allegations against prominent figures.
Checked
11 claims in this story checked against 1 source: 10 supported.
Show each claim
- SupportedThe headline says McClymont testified to a “bizarre coincidence” in contacting a complainant.WA Today - Latest News: “McClymont said she was never told “C”’s real name during his short period of contact with FitzSimons, and it was a “bizarre coincidence” that she happened to call him the day after he made the comment to his wife.”
- SupportedThe summary says McClymont called the alleged victim the day after he told his wife he would tell her everything if she called.WA Today - Latest News: ““He said to his wife, ‘If Kate McClymont ever rings I’m going to tell her everything’ and for some bizarre reason I ring the next day,” McClymont said.”
- SupportedThe opening says McClymont described the timing as a “bizarre coincidence”.WA Today - Latest News: “McClymont said she was never told “C”’s real name during his short period of contact with FitzSimons, and it was a “bizarre coincidence” that she happened to call him the day after he made the comment to his wife.”
- SupportedMcClymont’s reporting on the allegations against Jones triggered a police investigation in 2024.WA Today - Latest News: “McClymont, whose reporting of the sexual assault allegations against Jones triggered a police investigation in 2024”
- SupportedMcClymont gave evidence during her third day in the witness box at Sydney’s Downing Centre Local Court.WA Today - Latest News: “McClymont, whose reporting of the sexual assault allegations against Jones triggered a police investigation in 2024, described the coincidence during her third day in the witness box at his local court criminal trial.”
- Partly supportedThe story quotes McClymont as saying, “For some bizarre reason I ring the next day.”WA Today - Latest News: ““He said to his wife, ‘If Kate McClymont ever rings I’m going to tell her everything’ and for some bizarre reason I ring the next day,” McClymont said.”
- SupportedJones is 85.WA Today - Latest News: “Jones, 85, is standing trial on 19 counts of indecent assault and two counts of sexual touching without consent against five male complainants between 2003 and 2020.”
- SupportedJones is standing trial on 19 counts of indecent assault and two counts of sexual touching without consent against five male complainants, with alleged offences spanning 2003 to 2020.WA Today - Latest News: “Jones, 85, is standing trial on 19 counts of indecent assault and two counts of sexual touching without consent against five male complainants between 2003 and 2020.”
- SupportedJones has pleaded not guilty and denies the alleged acts occurred.WA Today - Latest News: “He has pleaded not guilty and denies that the alleged acts ever occurred.”
- Supported“C” said he felt regret every day that he did not fight back or say “no” louder, but that he could not.WA Today - Latest News: “During emotional testimony, “C” said that he felt regret every day that he “didn’t fight back or say ‘no’ louder, but you couldn’t”.”
- Supported“C” said, “Alan was protected, he was the Golden Goose.”WA Today - Latest News: ““Alan was protected, he was the Golden Goose,” he told the court.”