A well known former boss of Australia’s nationwide rugby group has denied dozens of intercourse prices towards 10 males.
Alan Jones – who was additionally a radio presenter for a few years – appeared in court docket for the primary time since his arrest final month.
The 83-year-old is accused of 34 prices of aggravated indecent assault, indecent assault, sexual touching with out consent and customary assault.
A number of the complainants are as younger as 17 and police mentioned the alleged offences occurred between 2001 and 2019.
Jones wasn’t requested to enter a plea throughout Wednesday’s listening to in Sydney however afterwards advised media he would combat the claims at trial.
“I am certainly not guilty and I’ll be presenting my account to a jury,” Jones mentioned.
“These allegations are all either baseless or they distort the truth. I have never indecently assaulted these people. I am emphatic that I’ll be defending every charge,” he added.
Police charged Jones with 24 offences associated to eight males on 18 November, prompting two extra complainants to return ahead.
His lawyer, Bryan Wrench, advised the decide his shopper welcomed a jury trial so he may clear his title.
“There have been many… untruths published by the media and the police in this matter,” Mr Wrench mentioned.
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Jones was charged on 18 November. Pic: Reuters
Jones coached the Wallabies – Australia’s rugby union facet – for 4 years from 1984, successful 86 of his 102 matches.
He went on to host a preferred morning radio present in Sydney from 2002 till 2020 and was extremely influential within the media.
Jones was additionally identified for his conservative politics and as soon as labored as a speechwriter for Michael Fraser, who was prime minister for eight years till 1983.
He is been free on bail since his arrest final month.
An administrative listening to within the case is now scheduled for 11 March.
