Mother of alleged victim tells court she was in 'web of dependency' with Alan Jones after alleged assault

Defence suggests mother continued correspondence seeking financial gain

By LineZotpaper

Published23 October 2026

Updated23 October 2026

Read Time3 min

Sources3 outlets

The mother of an alleged victim of Alan Jones has told a Sydney court she continued to seek advice from the broadcaster after her son was allegedly indecently assaulted, describing herself as being in a 'web of dependency' with him. Her testimony came on the final day of her evidence in the trial of the 85-year-old former broadcaster, who has pleaded not guilty to 21 charges of indecent assault and sexual touching involving five men between 2003 and 2020.

The mother told the Downing Centre court she continued corresponding with Jones after the alleged assault out of fear that he would withdraw his financial support.

'I was in a web of dependency with Mr Jones,' the witness told the court on Friday, explaining that she had developed a pattern of not trusting herself.

Under cross-examination, defence barrister Claire O'Neill suggested the mother had continued to correspond with Jones not because she was scared of his influence over her finances, but because she wanted more money out of him.

O'Neill asked: 'You did not continue to communicate with Mr Jones because you were scared of his influence over your finances, did you?' The witness replied: 'I absolutely was.'

O'Neill put it to the witness: 'You were taking advantage of Mr Jones's generosity for as long as you could?' The witness replied: 'Absolute rubbish.'

All five complainants have now completed their evidence. The trial continues.

Analysis

Why This Matters

The trial of Alan Jones, a once-influential broadcaster, is a high-profile case that has drawn significant public attention to allegations of historical sexual offending.
The mother's testimony highlights the complex dynamics of dependency and control that prosecutors say characterised Jones's relationships with alleged victims and their families.
The outcome of the trial could have broader implications for how the justice system handles cases involving powerful figures and delayed reporting of sexual offences.

Background

Alan Jones is a former radio broadcaster who was charged in 2024 with 21 counts of indecent assault and sexual touching. The charges relate to five male complainants and span a period from 2003 to 2020. Jones pleaded not guilty to all charges. The trial is being heard in the Downing Centre District Court in Sydney. The mother of the youngest complainant has been giving evidence about her ongoing contact with Jones after the alleged assault.

Key Perspectives

Prosecution: The mother's testimony is presented as evidence of a pattern of manipulation, where Jones used financial support and influence to maintain control over complainants and their families, discouraging them from reporting allegations.

Defence: The defence argues that the mother's continued correspondence with Jones was motivated by a desire for financial gain rather than fear. Defence barrister Claire O'Neill suggested the witness was taking advantage of Jones's generosity and had a deliberate strategy to seek money for expenses such as legal fees and vehicle repairs.

Critics/Skeptics: The defence's cross-examination aims to undermine the mother's credibility, suggesting she is not a reliable witness. The court will ultimately decide whether her account of fear and dependency is credible.

What to Watch

The remaining legal arguments and closing submissions from both sides.
The jury's verdict, which will determine whether Jones is convicted on any of the 21 charges.
Any potential sentencing if Jones is found guilty, and whether the trial sets a precedent for similar cases involving historical sexual offences by public figures.

Sources

Complainant's mother grilled over home by ocean at Jones trial · Latest business news
Complainant's mother grilled over home by ocean at Jones trial · Just In
Mother sought advice from Alan Jones after broadcaster’s alleged indecent assault of her son, court hears · Australia news | The Guardian

Checked

9 claims in this story checked against 1 source: 8 supported.

Show each claim

SupportedThe mother described herself as being in a “web of dependency” with Jones.Australia news | The Guardian: ““I was in a web of dependency with Mr Jones,” the witness said”
SupportedThe mother continued to seek advice from Jones after her son was allegedly indecently assaulted.Australia news | The Guardian: “The mother of the youngest alleged victim of Alan Jones continued to seek advice from the broadcaster after the teenager was allegedly indecently assaulted at Jones’s Fitzroy Falls farm”
SupportedThe defence suggested the mother kept corresponding with Jones because she wanted more money from him.Australia news | The Guardian: “defence barrister Claire O’Neill suggested the mother continued to correspond with Jones not because she was scared but because she wanted more money out of him.”
SupportedThe mother said she continued corresponding with Jones because she feared he would withdraw financial support.Australia news | The Guardian: “She previously said she corresponded with Jones after he allegedly kissed the 17-year-old and put his tongue inside his mouth out of fear Jones would withdraw his financial support.”
SupportedThe witness replied, “I absolutely was,” when O’Neill asked whether she was scared of Jones’s influence over her finances.Australia news | The Guardian: “O’Neill asked: “You did not continue to communicate with Mr Jones because you were scared of his influence over your finances, did you?” The witness replied: “I absolutely was.””
SupportedThe witness replied “Absolute rubbish” when O’Neill suggested she took advantage of Jones’s generosity.Australia news | The Guardian: “O’Neill: “You were taking advantage of Mr Jones’s generosity for as long as you could?” Witness: “Absolute rubbish.””
SupportedThe 85-year-old Jones has pleaded not guilty to 21 charges involving five men between 2003 and 2020.Australia news | The Guardian: “Her son, complainant A, is one of five men who allege Jones, 85, sexually touched or indecently assaulted them between 2003 and 2020. ... Jones has pleaded not guilty to 21 charges of indecent assault and sexual touching.”
SupportedAll five complainants have completed their evidence.Australia news | The Guardian: “All five have now completed their evidence.”
Partly supportedJones is a former broadcaster.Australia news | The Guardian: “The mother of the youngest alleged victim of Alan Jones continued to seek advice from the broadcaster”