New details emerge after Alan Jones is charged

The broadcaster has been hit with 24 charges relating to alleged historical assaults. Now new details have emerged about the case.

Police moved to arrest Alan Jones early on Monday morning because he had planned to take a trip to the US, it has been reported.

The veteran Australian broadcaster, 83, was arrested by detectives at his Circular Quay residence at 7.45am on Monday after a nine-month investigation by the State Crime Command’s child abuse and sex crimes squad.

He has been hit with 24 charges in relation to eight victims in relation to alleged incidents between 2001 and 2019.

Alan Jones is seen in the back of an unmarked police car as he is transferred to Day St Police Station, in Sydney. Picture: AAP Image/Bianca De Marchi

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Jones was arrested at his home at Circular Quay. Picture: Adam Yip

Police will allege the youngest complainant was 17 years old.

According to A Current Affair, Jones had known about the investigation for some time but would have had no idea that the arrest was coming today.

However, police moved to arrest him on Monday after learning of Jones’ plans to take a trip to America.

His bail conditions stop him from leaving the country.

Detectives from the State Crime Command Child Abuse Squad established Strike Force Bonnefin in March to investigate numerous alleged indecent assault and sexual touching incidents between 2001 and 2019.

The charges include 11 counts of aggravated indecent assault - victim under authority of offender, nine counts of assault with act of indecency, two counts of sexually touch another person without consent and two counts of common assault.

He was granted conditional bail, to appear before Downing Centre Local Court on Wednesday, December 18.

In court police will allege the authority Jones acted under was an employment contract.

Speaking to media, NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Michael Fitzgerald said: “In regards to the victims, we will allege that the accused knew some of them personally. Some of them professionally. And we’ll also allege that some of the victims, when the alleged offence took place, was the first time that they ever met the accused.”

“I wish to commend the victims in their bravery in coming forward. They are fully aware, as are the investigators, that the hard work is just beginning. They have given their statements fully aware they will go through the courts,” the Assistant Commissioner said.

Police arrested Jones and searched his Circular Quay apartment on Monday morning.

Later in the day, police said “a number” of electronic devices were seized from the home, but would not elaborate further.

Jones was seen being driven by officers to the NSW Police Headquarters in Parramatta, wearing a green tracksuit top over a white button-up shirt. The veteran broadcaster stared straight ahead, ignoring the cameras clamouring at the window.

The charges come after the Sydney Morning Herald revealed accusations of indecent assault dating back decades.

Jones, who is most famous for his 35 years as a radio broadcaster, was accused of groping men during his tenure at 2GB.

Jones hosted his top-rating breakfast show on 2GB for two decades. John Feder/The Australian.

One former employee accused the radio star of “grabbing” his genitalia while the man was driving.

The former employee also accused the radio host of exposing himself in his apartment and kissing the former employee in an elevator.

Several other accusations have been made against Jones, with several men alleging he assaulted them in his Circular Quay apartment.

The radio broadcaster has previously denied the allegations, releasing a video in March responding to the accusations.

“The get-Jones campaign is nothing new in my life,” he said per ADH TV.

“I am not going to dwell, here, on the allegations made about me other than to say that I refute them entirely and the inferences associated with them.” Jones has not commenced any legal action.

The former long-time talkback host at Sydney’s 2GB was for decades one of the country’s most influential and feared commentators.

Jones denied the allegations back in December. Picture: Jeremy Piper

Among a slew of Webster’s allegations included Jones had kissed him without consent in an elevator, and that he exposed himself in an apartment.

Shortly after news of Jones’ arrest broke, 2GB morning host Ray Hadley went to air, telling viewers he would remain neutral in his commentary until he can discuss it “factually”.

However he said his relationship with Jones had been “soured” some time ago but did not elaborate as to why.

“At this particular stage, I don’t know [if] charges have been laid. Allegations have been put to Mr Jones and his lawyers no doubt,” Hadley said.

“But I hope everyone understands the need for me to be circumspect. For me to report on matters factually and refrain from editorial comment in relation to the matter because it will now be before the courts, I would imagine, and then the matters can be reported on factually.”

Ray Hadley and Alan Jones. Picture: Mark Evans

Hadley, who announced earlier this month he was departing 2GB, went on to lambast “narcs” writing into the station accusing him of quitting his job because of Jones’ alleged indiscretions.

“This had nothing to do with my decision. Nothing whatsoever,” Hadley said.

“It’s completely devoid of the decision I’ve taken.

“At some time in the future those reasons will become patently obvious to everyone, but in the meantime, I’ll say no more.”

Jones hosted his top-rating breakfast show on 2GB for two decades before retiring for health reasons in May 2020.

He went on to host The Alan Jones Program on Sky News Australia, where he had appeared as a panellist and co-host since 2013.

Jones abruptly departed Sky News in November 2021, announcing the network chose not to renew his contract.

Originally published as New details emerge after Alan Jones is charged