World News
Ray Hadley testifies in sexual assault trial of broadcasting rival Alan Jones
Australian radio host Ray Hadley told a Sydney court that an alleged victim broke down in tears when describing incidents involving Alan Jones.
The short version
- Radio host Ray Hadley testified in court that an alleged victim confided in him in 2019 about being sexually assaulted by former broadcasting colleague Alan Jones.
- Jones, 85, is on trial in Sydney facing 20 counts of indecent assault and two counts of sexual touching involving six complainants, to which he has pleaded not guilty.
- Defence lawyers contend the trial is driven by media rivalry and accuse Hadley of attempting to ruin Jones's career to secure a coveted morning radio slot.
- The judge-only trial before Judge Glenn Walsh is ongoing.
Key facts
- Ray Hadley testified at the Downing Centre local court that an alleged victim, known as complainant C, confided in him in 2019 regarding sexual assault allegations against Alan Jones.[The Guardian]
- Alan Jones, 85, has pleaded not guilty to 20 counts of indecent assault and two counts of sexual touching involving six complainants.[The Guardian]
- Hadley told the court he connected complainant C with a journalist at the Sydney Morning Herald while promising to keep the man's identity confidential.[The Guardian]
- Defence counsel Gabrielle Bashir SC argued that the charges stem from professional jealousy and media rivalry between Hadley and Jones over 2GB radio slots.[The Guardian]
What remains uncertain
- The defence asserts that media coverage and personal rivalries may have contaminated or influenced witness recollections in the case.[The Guardian]