Alan Jones’ legal team says it may apply for a temporary stay of proceedings against the disgraced former broadcaster, further delaying his prosecution, with thousands of pages of evidence yet to be served on his lawyers.
Jones’ barrister, Gabrielle Bashir, SC, told Bankstown Local Court on Thursday that evidence, including “exculpatory” statements, were yet to be served by police as prosecutors work to refine the number of witnesses expected to give evidence against him.
Jones, 84, faces 27 charges against nine complainants for alleged sexual offending at public locations including the Opera House and a lower north shore restaurant, as well as his various homes and former workplaces.
Bashir said a complete brief of evidence had not been disclosed to Jones’ lawyers, as well as “oodles of material” she said would exculpate – or help clear – him.
The court heard a number of the 23 subpoenas issued by Jones’ legal team remain outstanding. Materials produced under the subpoenas could give rise to an application to temporarily stay proceedings against Jones, the court heard.
Jones will fight the charges against him before a Local Court magistrate in a hearing expected to begin in August and last for up to four months.
A stay could further delay that hearing, which is expected to hear evidence from more than 100 witnesses.
Several hearings in the coming months are expected to hear arguments about the legality of materials seized by police during Jones’ arrest and other issues, including material produced through the subpoenas and potential witnesses’ evidence.
Strike Force Bonnefin detectives arrested Jones in November 2024 after a secretive nine-month investigation sparked by this masthead’s reporting.
A lengthy investigation by the Herald and The Age revealed in December 2023 that Jones had used his position of power, first as a teacher and later as the country’s top-rating radio broadcaster, to allegedly prey on a number of young men.
Documents previously seen by this masthead showed the allegations include fondling penises, stroking thighs and squeezing bottoms. Jones is also accused of pulling a man’s scrotum and masturbating during one alleged indecent assault.
Late last year, several charges against Jones were amended. The charges initially related to 11 complainants.
Jones is accused of committing the crimes at his former Newtown home, his harbourside apartment, his farm at Fitzroy Falls in the Southern Highlands, Tamworth in northern NSW, and other Sydney spots.
Magistrate Glenn Walsh said the hearing could run into January next year depending on the number of witnesses called to give evidence, and the length of the prosecution and defence cases.
“It’s a bit of how long’s a piece of string,” Walsh said.
“Some cases develop their own life. I don’t want this one to develop its own life.”
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Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: www.smh.com.au
