Alan Jones kissed me in James Packer's private suite, former driver tells court

The trial of former radio broadcaster Alan Jones continued at Sydney's Downing Centre local court, where a former driver, identified as Complainant C, gave emotional testimony about an alleged unwanted advance. C described an incident that occurred when he and a friend were visiting Melbourne for a sporting event and met Jones for drinks in what they knew to be James Packer's personal suite at the Crown Towers hotel. According to C's evidence, Jones offered to take him on a private tour of the suite, leaving the friend behind in the lounge area. Once alone in a walk-in wardrobe, Jones allegedly told C, "I've missed you," before kissing him. C testified that he pushed Jones back, noting the broadcaster was very close to his body, and insisted they return to his friend. The court heard that Jones stopped his actions and they rejoined the friend, with C choosing not to disclose what had happened at the time.

This specific wardrobe incident is not among the eight charges related to Complainant C in the current proceedings, but it formed part of the broader narrative of alleged conduct presented by the prosecution. C's testimony painted a picture of ongoing pressure and discomfort that extended well beyond his employment at 2GB. He told the court that "romantic" and "intimate" text messages from Jones persisted for years after he left the radio station. This continued contact allegedly influenced major life decisions, with C stating he felt compelled to invite Jones to his wedding to maintain the broadcaster's favor, suggesting a power dynamic that endured long after their professional relationship ended.

The court heard how C eventually disclosed the alleged assault to family members, triggered by a conversation about the MeToo movement. C recounted that his father-in-law made dismissive comments about people fabricating claims for financial gain or notoriety, referencing Harvey Weinstein who was prominent in news coverage at the time. In response, C revealed that Alan Jones had indecently assaulted him, directly challenging the notion that such claims are motivated by money. He explained that attitudes like his father-in-law's were precisely what prevented him from coming forward earlier. This disclosure to family preceded a more detailed conversation with 2GB broadcaster Ray Hadley in October 2019, when C learned that journalist Peter FitzSimons was researching a story about Jones.

During that conversation with Hadley, C described shutting the office doors and speaking candidly for the first time, saying some of the things Jones did to him were "quite fucked up." He connected his decision to speak more openly to having a young baby at the time, which made the gravity of his experiences resonate differently. C characterized his previous discussions about Jones as "off-the-cuff" and lacking the detail he shared with Hadley. The trial, presided over by Judge Glenn Walsh, continues as Jones, aged 85, faces 22 charges of indecent assault and sexual touching, to which he has pleaded not guilty. The proceedings are examining multiple allegations spanning Jones's time at both 2GB and 2UE radio stations.