Retired presenter Alan Jones has been harassed ahead of his first court appearance over allegations of historic sex crimes.
The 83-year-old looked weak and ashen and used a walking stick as he entered Sydney’s Downing Center Local Court on Wednesday morning, facing a raft of charges relating to at least nine alleged victims.
“You’re going down, Alan,” a man shouted as he entered the courtroom.
‘Too bad Alan, too bad!’ said another.
“You’re absolutely vile – you’re a vile old man!” shouted a third.
“You’re not normally lost, Mr. Jones,” a news reporter added.
Jones faced 26 charges, including 11 counts of aggravated indecent assault where the alleged victim was under his authority.
The alleged crimes involved nine people.
Pictured: Alan Jones, 83, arrives at court on Wednesday while being protected by his lawyers Brian Wrench and Chris Murphy
But on Wednesday morning, shortly before his scheduled court appearance, it was revealed that a further eight charges of indecent assault had been laid, relating to a tenth alleged victim.
This brings the total number of charges against Jones to 34, including 11 cases of aggravated indecent assault where the alleged victim was under his authority.
The previously imposed charges related to alleged crimes that occurred between 2001 and 2019, with the youngest of the complainants being 17 years old at the time.
Jones’ lawyer Bryan Wrench told the court his client would welcome a trial before a jury to clear his name.
“There have been many… untruths published by the media and police in this matter,” Mr Wrench said.
“The arrests were largely choreographed and scripted. He would always respond to these allegations.”
Police arrested the renowned broadcaster at his luxury apartment on Sydney’s Circular Quay in November.
Another alleged victim came forward shortly after the highly publicized arrest, leading authorities to file two additional charges at the time.
Jones’ lawyer Bryan Wrench (pictured to his right) told the court his client would welcome a jury trial to clear his name
NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb previously said other complainants were expected to come forward after the allegations became public.
“There is no such thing as a case that is too old to be investigated,” she said.
“What I would say to the victims is that there is no better time to come forward than now, and that you will be listened to and we will take your case seriously.”
Jones’ attorney Chris Murphy said his client would defend the charges.
“He is presumed innocent,” he said.
Jones began a hugely influential life on the air in 1985 after a failed career in politics. He became a feared interviewer who excelled at grilling leaders while dividing the public with his outspoken, conservative views.
He worked at radio station 2UE in Sydney before joining rival 2GB, where he was a long-time ratings giant.
The State Crime Command’s Child Abuse Squad established Strike Force Bonnefin in March to investigate media reports making allegations of abuse by Jones.