Sam Newman’s son Max Jones settles with NBA player Jock Landale over incident at Geelong Grammar

The son of Sam Newman and NBA star Jock Landale have avoided a courtroom showdown over an alleged assault when they were classmates at Victoria’s most expensive private school.

Jock Landale in action for the Houston Rockets. Picture: Getty

The son of AFL great Sam Newman, NBA star Jock Landale and their former exclusive private school have avoided facing off at trial over an alleged violent assault when the pair were schoolmates.

Max Jones launched legal action against Landale and Geelong Grammar over allegations the basketballer assaulted him, leaving him with a permanent back injury that thwarted his dreams of becoming a football player like his father.

A three-week trial was set to begin on Tuesday after failed mediation between the parties over claims Landale repeatedly jumped on Jones’ stomach to the beat of a song in 2013, forcing Jones to have discs removed from his spine.

Max Jones (left) claimed Landale jumped on his stomach, causing him to have discs removed from his spine.

The Herald Sun first revealed the high-profile legal battle between the school’s celebrity alumni last year, when Mr Jones claimed he had missed out on more than $1m worth of income from a career in sports media or general management as a result of his injury.

But the Supreme Court on Wednesday confirmed the legal fight was resolved in an 11th hour mediation the day before the trial.

In a statement to the Herald Sun, Mr Jones’ legal team said the parties had reached an agreement.

“The case between Maxim Jones and Geelong Grammar and Jock Landale was resolved in a Judicial Mediation earlier this week,” it said.

“Mr Jones and David Thomas, Senior Associate with Arnold Thomas and Becker who represented Mr Jones, have no further comments in relation to this case.”

Jones is the son of AFL and media figure Sam Newman. Picture: David Crosling

Mr Thomas had previously told the Supreme Court that he was “confident we may be able to reach some agreement” amid earlier failed mediation attempts.

Mr Jones was in Year 10 at the Corio campus, when he claims that Mr Landale, then in Year 12, forced him to the ground and committed a “battery” on him in the school’s Manifold House common room, on February 7, 2013.

Monday’s successful mediation means several witnesses for Geelong Grammar and Landale have avoided giving evidence about the assault claims.

Geelong Grammar principal Rebecca Cody said the school denied liability over the alleged assault.

“The legal proceedings have been resolved with a denial of liability by the School,” she said in a letter to the school community.

“Geelong Grammar School invests considerable care and resources in our student safeguarding strategies, policies and practices with one purpose in mind: the safety and wellbeing of all our students.”

Mr Landale has been contacted for comment.