Alan Jones accuser’s mother denies taking advantage of his generosity in court
The mother rejected a defence claim about why she stayed in contact with the broadcaster after her son alleged an assault. Jones has pleaded not guilty to 21 charges.
Alan Jones’s trial in Sydney heard on Friday, 23 October, that the mother of a complainant denied taking advantage of the broadcaster’s generosity. The defence questioned why she continued to seek Jones’s help while encouraging her son to report an alleged assault to police. Jones has pleaded not guilty to 21 charges of indecent assault and sexual touching.
Defence questions requests for Jones’s help
During cross-examination in the NSW Local Court, defence barrister Claire O’Neill challenged the woman’s account of her continued contact with Jones. The Guardian reported that O’Neill suggested she wanted more money from him, rather than fearing the loss of his support. Asked whether she had taken advantage of his generosity, the witness called the suggestion ‘absolute rubbish’. She also denied lying about why she stayed in contact.
The mother agreed she had asked Jones to use his influence to move her son through a Sydney Cricket Ground membership waitlist, according to ABC News. She said he did not do so. She also acknowledged asking for advice about a repair bill for her Land Rover, but denied suggesting that Jones should pay it. The Guardian reported that the defence also questioned her about correspondence concerning her son’s university application, a superannuation payment and outstanding legal fees.
ABC News reported that the mother agreed under questioning that she had a job, could meet her house repayments and had travelled to Europe with her son the following year. Asked whether she was not financially desperate, she answered, ‘Sure.’ The defence raised her finances while challenging her account of why she continued seeking Jones’s assistance.
Mother describes dependence on Jones
The mother said she was in a ‘web of dependency’ with Jones after he had helped have her home finished, ABC News and the Guardian reported. According to the Guardian, she said she continued corresponding with him because she believed he had an opinion about everything and feared he might withdraw financial support. Her evidence on Friday followed earlier testimony that she had trusted Jones with her teenage son.
Earlier coverage of the mother’s testimony described how she trusted Jones before the alleged assault. ABC News reported that her son, identified as Complainant A, first contacted Jones at 13 to seek help for his mother. He alleges Jones kissed and touched him when he was 17. Friday’s questioning concerned the mother’s explanation for staying in contact after that allegation.
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Sources and context
- Accuser's mother denies taking advantage of Jones's generosityABC News
- Mother sought advice from Alan Jones after broadcaster’s alleged indecent assault of her son, court hearsThe Guardian (reporting by Amanda Meade)
- Alan Jones on Trial: Alleged victim’s mother ‘trusted’ Jones | Week 11 – videoThe Guardian
AI-assisted article checked against the listed sources. NewsJaws did not conduct interviews or attend the reported events.