By Duncan Murray and Neve Brissenden in Sydney

A defiant Alan Jones has denounced claims that he indecently assaulted almost a dozen people, speaking out on the same day he was hit with fresh charges relating to another alleged victim.

The veteran broadcaster appeared in court for the first time on Wednesday to answer a slew of charges linked to alleged indecent assaults spanning almost two decades.

Supporting himself with the help of a cane, the 83-year-old emphatically denied the allegations after a brief hearing at Sydney’s Downing Centre Local Court.

“I am certainly not guilty and I’ll be presenting my account to a jury as you’ve heard this morning,” Jones told a scrum of waiting media.

“These allegations are all either baseless or they distort the truth.”

Jones said prior to being arrested he was given no opportunity by police to respond to any of the claims.

“I have never indecently assaulted these people,” he said.

“The law assumes that I am not guilty and I am not guilty.

“I am emphatic that I’ll be defending every charge before a jury in due course.”

Jones’ lawyer Bryan Wrench told the court his client welcomed the opportunity to clear his name at a trial before a jury.

“There have been many … untruths published by the media and the police in this matter,” Mr Wrench said.

“The arrests were very much choreographed and scripted. He was always going to meet these allegations.”

Shortly before the scheduled court appearance, it was revealed another eight indecent assault charges had been levelled relating to a 10th complainant.

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.

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.

With the case drawing a large amount of media interest, Chief Magistrate Michael Allen was forced to ask some journalists to wait outside the court while other matters were called.

“The court will get to the matter which I’m sure is interesting most of you at the appropriate juncture,” he said.

Police arrested the renowned broadcaster at his luxury apartment in Sydney’s Circular Quay in November.

Another alleged victim came forward soon after the highly publicised arrest, resulting in authorities bringing two additional charges at that time.

NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb previously said it was anticipated other complainants would come forward after the allegations became public.

“There’s no such thing as a matter that’s too old to be investigated,” she said.

“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.”

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.

He worked with Sydney radio station 2UE before joining rival 2GB, where he was a long-time ratings juggernaut.

Jones also coached the Australian national men’s rugby union team between 1984 and 1988 and his tenure included a number of historic achievements for the Wallabies.

These included a grand slam of wins on their British Isles tour in 1984 and coaching the side to Australia’s first Bledisloe Cup win in New Zealand in 39 years in 1986.

The State Crime Command’s Child Abuse Squad established Strike Force Bonnefin in March to investigate media reports airing allegations of abuse by Jones.