Alan Jones’ lawyer criticizes senior NSW police officer and promises to fight charges in court

Veteran broadcaster Alan Jones’ lawyer has criticized a senior police officer and confirmed his client will defend himself against historic charges of indecent assault and sexual touching.

On Monday, NSW Police executed a search warrant at the 83-year-old’s harborside home in Sydney and charged him with 24 offenses involving eight alleged victims over two decades.

The charges included 11 counts of aggravated indecent assault, nine counts of indecent assault, two counts of sexually touching another person without consent and two counts of common assault.

NSW Police said it knew some of the alleged victims personally and professionally and that the youngest complainant was 17 at the time of the alleged offences.

Police said some of the complainants first met Mr Jones when the alleged offense occurred.

‘This is a matter for the courtroom’

Loading…

Deputy Commissioner Michael Fitzgerald said Mr Jones’ bail was granted on “certain conditions”.

“(These conditions) are to protect (alleged) victims and ensure that (they) are not contacted or harassed, and there are also travel restrictions based on ensuring that they appear in court,” he said.

The deputy commissioner said media reporting resulted in some information being passed on to the police, leading to the establishment of the Bonnefin Strike Force.

“This information and some of the witnesses have been helping police for years,” he said.

Deputy Commissioner Fitzgerald praised the alleged victims for their “courage” and allowing the matter to go to court.

Lawyer Chris Murphy told the media that Mr Jones would “protest his innocence” in court.

Mr Murphy said: “He denies any wrongdoing. This matter will be defended.”

“Mr. Jones will defend this case. He is presumed innocent.”

Mr Murphy said Deputy Commissioner Fitzgerald’s praise of the alleged victims during a press conference was “despicable”.

“I think it is absolutely despicable behavior for the deputy police commissioner to praise witnesses he might want to name as victims,” he said.

“This is a matter for the courtroom, and I believe he violated that egregiously.”

NSW Police refused to respond to Mr Murphy’s criticism.

Police believe more people will come forward

NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb said police anticipated more people could make complaints.

“I can’t speculate on this particular case, but usually when the situation is known – all the circumstances and the parties involved – other people can come forward and we expect other people to come forward,” the commissioner said. Webb said.

NSW Police told the ABC Mr Jones’ passport was seized due to concerns he would leave the country and not return.

Deputy Commissioner Fitzgerald said the strike force would continue in anticipation of further information being provided.

“We believe this will help more people come forward with information,” he said.

“Strike Force Bonnefin will continue and they are talking to people now and they will continue to do so.”

Dressed in a green tracksuit and accompanied by his lawyer, Mr Jones was surrounded by a large media contingent as he left Day Street Police Station in the Sydney CBD.

As reporters peppered the veteran broadcaster with questions, he remained silent and was directed to a waiting car.

Mr Jones was released on bail and is expected to appear at Downing Center Local Court on December 18.