Teen felt ‘violated’ after alleged Alan Jones groping
Updated . First published at
A teenager scrubbed his mouth out with a loofah after radio giant Alan Jones kissed him and grabbed his bottom without consent, he has told a court.
He became the fifth and final complainant to testify in the retired broadcaster's indecent assault and sexual touching trial when he entered the witness box on Tuesday.
Alan Jones arrives at Downing Centre Courts on Tuesday. Audrey Richardson
The then-teenager's allegation relates to one of 21 incidents of indecent assault or sexual touching without consent that Jones is accused of committing against five men between 2003 and 2020.
The 85-year-old, who has pleaded not guilty to all charges, did not make eye contact with his accuser as they came face to face in a Sydney courtroom.
The complainant told the court he had written to the longtime shock jock about his family's financial and personal difficulties when he was aged 13.
Jones agreed to help, and they corresponded for years.
The 2GB breakfast host regularly asked to meet up or visit before the teen, then 17, accepted an invitation to stay at Jones's NSW Southern Highlands property during the school holidays.
The then-teen testified the house was empty when he said goodnight to the veteran broadcaster and leaned in to give him a grateful hug.
But Jones, then aged in his 70s, kissed him and stuck his tongue in the teen's mouth, leaving him frozen, the complainant said.
He kept his head downcast and appeared emotional as he told the court that Jones had then placed a hand on his bottom as the kiss continued.
"That's when I recoiled and stepped away," the complainant said.
"I said, 'That's enough, Alan'."
Jones allegedly called a 14-year-old beautiful and sent him “lots of love” before allegedly indecently assaulting him years later. Sitthixay Ditthavong
As the teen turned to go into his bedroom, he said he saw the radio host had a grin on his face, which made him very uncomfortable.
"I went in (to the bathroom) with a loofah sponge and I just soaped it and scrubbed my mouth as much as I could," he recalled.
"I felt violated and I felt gross."
But he said he hadn't wanted to shower because it would leave him naked and vulnerable.
The 17-year-old lay in bed feeling confused and scared about jeopardising the support Jones was providing to his family, the court was told.
"Being defiant is not being grateful," the complainant said.
"I was terrified of making a scene for fear that the support would be withdrawn."
He emphatically denied he had consented to the alleged indecent assault.
The teen avoided Jones as much as possible the next day before he left the Fitzroy Falls property.
He wrote a note to his mother days later.
"Someone did something they shouldn't have," the note said.
"To other people, it's probably not that bad and I should just get over it.
"While I was physically able to stop it happening, it showed me the power of money."
Jones advocated on the family's behalf and paid upwards of $91,000 to assist them with their issues over a few years, the court was told.
At times, he suggested the teen not tell his mother about parts of their discussions related to financial issues, which had caused her stress.
As the expenses mounted, Jones told the then-14-year-old the costs were "getting out of hand", and the payments would need to end at some point.
"You're mature enough to know there can't be an endless dripping tap," he wrote.
"That's just between you and me."
Jones showered the schoolboy in praise during their years of correspondence, calling him a "beautiful human being" and sending "lots of love to him" when he was aged 14.
The teenager continually expressed his gratitude to Jones for his generosity and support, calling him a "friend, mentor, and confidante".
Jones has been charged with one count of indecent assault in relation to the then-teenager, which he denies.
His barrister has suggested the teenager's mother encouraged him to make the complaint after learning Jones would no longer provide support to the family.
Jones maintains none of the alleged incidents occurred and insists the allegations against him are concocted.
– AAP
Support is available from the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service at 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).
Share a tip-off, video or photo with us
