<?xml version="1.0" encoding="ISO-8859-1"?> <docID>335558</docID> <postdate>2024-12-18 11:08:32</postdate> <headline>Fresh assault charges as Alan Jones fronts court</headline> <body><p><img class="size-full wp-image-335559" src="https://citynews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/20241118130397696677-original-resized.jpg" alt="" width="900" height="600" /></p> <caption>Alan Jones is facing an additional eight charges. (Bianca De Marchi/AAP PHOTOS)</caption> <p><span class="kicker-line">By <strong>Duncan Murray</strong> and <strong>Neve Brissenden</strong> in Sydney</span></p> <p><strong>Alan Jones has made his first court appearance as fresh assault charges relating to a 10th alleged victim were brought against the veteran broadcaster.</strong></p> <p>The 83-year-old appeared at Sydney's Downing Centre Local Court on Wednesday as he faced a slew of charges over allegations of historical sexual offences spanning almost two decades.</p> <p>Jones' lawyer Bryan Wrench told the court his client would welcome a trial before a jury to clear his name.</p> <p>"There have been many … untruths published by the media and the police in this matter," Mr Wrench said.</p> <p>"The arrests were very much choreographed and scripted. He was always going to meet these allegations."</p> <p>Shortly before the scheduled court appearance, it was revealed another eight indecent assault charges had been levelled relating to a 10th complainant.</p> <p>It takes the total number of charges against Jones to 34, including 11 counts of aggravated indecent assault where the alleged victim was under his authority.</p> <p>The previously laid charges related to alleged offences that took place between 2001 and 2019, with the youngest of the complainants aged 17 at the time.</p> <p>With the case drawing a large amount of media interest, Judge Michael Allen was forced to ask some journalists to wait outside the court while other matters were called.</p> <p>"The court will get to the matter which I'm sure is interesting most of you at the appropriate juncture," he said.</p> <p>Police arrested the renowned broadcaster at his luxury apartment in Sydney's Circular Quay in November.</p> <p>Another alleged victim came forward soon after the highly publicised arrest, resulting in authorities bringing two additional charges at that time.</p> <p>NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb previously said it was anticipated other complainants would come forward after the allegations became public.</p> <p>"There's no such thing as a matter that's too old to be investigated," she said.</p> <p>"What I'd say to victims is that there is no better time to come forward than now, and you will be listened to and we will take your matter seriously."</p> <p>Jones' other lawyer Chris Murphy earlier flagged that his client planned to defend the charges.</p> <p>"He's presumed innocent," he said.</p> <p>Jones began a hugely influential life on the airwaves in 1985 after a failed career in politics, becoming a feared interviewer who excelled at grilling leaders while dividing audiences with his outspoken, conservative views.</p> <p>He worked with Sydney radio station 2UE before joining rival 2GB, where he was a long-time ratings juggernaut.</p> <p>The State Crime Command's Child Abuse Squad established Strike Force Bonnefin in March to investigate media reports airing allegations of abuse by Jones.</p> </body>