The charge dropped relates to Complainant F, a younger reporter who alleged Mr Jones "touched and squeezed" his backside at a function in 2012. No reason was given in court for the decision to withdraw the count. This is the fourth time charges have been dropped or downgraded since September 2025, when Mr Jones initially faced 44 counts relating to 11 complainants.
Mr Jones, 85, has pleaded not guilty to the remaining charges. Three of the five complainants have completed their evidence, with dozens of witnesses called so far. Two of them—a former emerging athlete (Complainant J) and a former colleague (Complainant C)—told the court they were afraid to speak up at the time because of Mr Jones's influence and power. Last week, a prominent athlete (Complainant M) testified that Mr Jones kissed him without consent twice, describing the relationship as something he "managed," despite Mr Jones having been generous to him at times.
The prosecution has argued that Mr Jones tended to act on a sexual interest in younger men. Defence lawyers, however, have framed the case as one of "media rivalry," alleging that Mr Jones's 2GB stablemate Ray Hadley colluded with others to bring complaints and "destroy" Mr Jones.
The fourth complainant, Complainant H, is due to begin evidence on Tuesday. That man, decades younger than Mr Jones, alleged the broadcaster slid his hand down his back and across his backside at an event. The prosecution said the man did not initially go to police but contacted Sydney Morning Herald journalist Kate McClymont after she published other allegations against Mr Jones in 2023.