Retired radio shock jock Alan Jones′ influence and reputation survived one arrest, in a London public toilet in 1988. It is unlikely to survive his latest, this time at his opulent Circular Quay residence.

The arrest and subsequent charging of a now-ailing man long past the peak of his influence relates to allegations of indecent assault going back two decades. It must confer a sense of vindication for his alleged victims, whose claims Jones has denied. It’s also a headache for Sydney’s elite, many of whom have long courted, feared and tiptoed around the longtime 2UE then 2GB broadcaster (both stations are now owned by the publisher of this newspaper).