Hadley excused after third day of testimony in Alan Jones trial

Ray Hadley, the former 2GB broadcaster, has completed three days on the witness stand in the trial of Alan Jones, who faces 22 charges of indecent assault and sexual touching relating to six alleged victims. Jones, 85, has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Hadley's re-examination concluded on Thursday morning, and he has been excused from court.

Much of the cross-examination by defence barrister Gabrielle Bashir SC focused on events in 2018 and 2019. During that period, Hadley said he signed a contract worth $4 million a year to take over the breakfast show at 2GB from Jones. The court heard that in various text messages, Hadley referred to Jones as 'a parasite', a homophobic slur, and someone who 'needs to be destroyed'.

Hadley described his relationship with Jones as 'tumultuous' and did not refute the suggestion that he 'harboured animosity towards Mr Jones'. 'I wasn't happy with him,' Hadley said.

Hadley also told the court that a 2GB colleague, whom he described as a 'double agent', informed him that Jones had asked his staff to 'dig up dirt on Hadley'. Jones ultimately re-signed as breakfast show host before leaving 2GB in 2020.

The trial previously heard that one alleged victim, Complainant C, accused Jones of kissing him in a work lift and touching his crotch several times in 2008. Complainant C confided in Hadley about the allegations a decade later.

In his testimony, Hadley said that when he made an on-air statement addressing the allegations against Jones after a Sydney Morning Herald article in December 2023, he referred to Complainant C by a pseudonym. 'I maintained through the whole process I wouldn't identify him,' he said.

Why This Matters

The trial of Alan Jones, a prominent former broadcaster, has drawn significant public attention in Australia due to the seriousness of the charges and the high-profile nature of those involved.
Hadley's testimony is critical as he is a key witness for the prosecution, with Complainant C having confided in him about the alleged incidents.
The court's examination of the 'tumultuous' relationship between Hadley and Jones raises questions about potential bias and motives that the defence may leverage.

Background

Alan Jones was a influential figure in Australian radio, hosting the breakfast show on 2GB in Sydney for many years before leaving in 2020. Ray Hadley, a longtime colleague, succeeded him in that timeslot. The trial is examining allegations spanning several years, with Jones denying all charges. The prosecution's case includes testimony from multiple alleged victims, with the current proceedings focused on the evidence from Complainant C and the interactions with Hadley.

Key Perspectives

Prosecution: The case relies on Hadley as a credible witness to whom Complainant C disclosed the alleged assaults, establishing a timeline of when the allegations first emerged. Defence (Gabrielle Bashir SC): The cross-examination has sought to undermine Hadley's credibility by highlighting his hostility toward Jones—demonstrated by the insulting text messages—suggesting his testimony may be coloured by personal animosity and professional rivalry. Ray Hadley: He acknowledged his strained relationship with Jones but maintained his integrity in handling the disclosure from Complainant C, insisting he did not identify the alleged victim publicly.

What to Watch

Whether the defence calls further witnesses to challenge Hadley's account or the credibility of Complainant C.
The trial's next phase, which may involve testimony from other alleged victims.
Any rulings on the admissibility of the text messages and their impact on the jury's perception of Hadley's reliability.

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