Alan Jones was days away from leaving Australia on a long-planned trip to the United States. However, the police got to him first.

The veteran former 2GB radio and TV broadcaster, who once held vast sway over federal and NSW politics, was arrested at his luxury apartment overlooking Circular Quay on Monday. He was whisked away in an unmarked car to a police station in central Sydney for questioning. He wore a green jacket and held a walking stick.