How Alan Jones vs Wagner case unfolded

QUEENSLAND’S Wagner brothers have successfully sued Sydney-based shock jock Alan Jones for defamation. Here’s a snapshot of the case.

• Jones hit with record $3.7m bill

QUEENSLAND’S Wagner brothers have successfully sued Alan Jones, Harbour Radio and 4BC for defamation over accusations a wall collapse from the Lockyer Valley quarry they owned contributed to the deaths of 12 people during the 2011 floods.

THE PLAINTIFFS’ CASE

The Wagners’ lawyer Tom Blackburn claimed his clients were depicted as “cruel, selfish and lawless people (who) pursued their goals through corruption, cronyism, intimidation and criminality” in unparalleled attacks by Jones.

John, Denis, Neill and Joe Wagner also allege they were accused of a high- level cover-up with politicians relating to their Wellcamp Airport.

Denis Wagner labelled Jones’ broadcasts “gut-wrenching” and incredibly harmful to their reputations, while Neil Wagner claimed he thought Jones was “going mad” after hearing his accusations.

Jones admitted not having any scientific evidence to back up his claim the 12 people were killed due to the collapse of a quarry wall.

Journalist Nick Cater was accused of omitting evidence possibly contradicting his “narrative” about the Wagners’ alleged blame.

Joe, John, Dennis and Neill Wagner speak to the media outside the Supreme Court in Brisbane today. Picture: Darren England/AAP

THE DEFENCE

Jones’ lawyer Robert Anderson attempted to position the Wagner family as greedy by highlighting the $4.8 million claim is more than the major defamation payouts awarded to WA barrister Lloyd Rayney and actress Rebel Wilson.

Jones admitted he subjected the Wagners to savage criticisms, but denied calling them murderers. He said he and his team always took “reasonable steps” to be accurate.

Jones maintained the Wagners could have bribed Qantas over the airline’s decision to fly into Wellcamp Airport, but denied he had a bitter hatred for them.

On the final day of submissions, Mr Anderson dropped the honest opinion defence and admitted some claims Jones made about the Wagner family were indefensible.

THE JUDGMENT

Justice Peter Flanagan today ordered Jones and his team to pay a record $3.7 million in compensation for defaming the Wagners.

Justice Flanagan dismissed the complaint against Cater.

In his judgment Justice Flanagan described the defamatory comments as “extremely serious and of the gravest kind”.

He said the Wagners had suffered “profound personal hurt and harm to their reputations” through the comments.