Evidence from a former athlete identified as “M” is due to resume in Alan Jones’s criminal trial at the Downing Centre Local Court in Sydney, where the complainant has described unwanted advances and years of gifts from the former broadcaster.
Jones, 85, denies the alleged physical acts. He is facing 22 charges involving six male complainants over a 17-year period between 2003 and 2020, including 20 counts of indecent assault and two counts of sexual touching without consent.
M told the court that Jones kissed him near the corner of his mouth at a Sydney event about a decade ago. “I think I froze at that time,” he said.
The court heard that Jones sent him a series of affectionate text messages after the event, including: “Great to see you. Sorry I didn’t catch up after, had to go back to work. You looked great. I love you, I hope you can feel my kisses darling xxxx.”
M replied that it was nice to see Jones and that he had had a long day. The exchange ended with M saying, “let me know when we can catch up. Lots of love”, to which Jones responded: “I will darling. Big kisses forever.”
On another occasion, after receiving a photograph from M, Jones allegedly wrote: “I love the photo. I love you. I want to kiss you for hours. That is beautiful. We must catch up darling [name] xxx”.
M said he did not immediately respond. Hours later, Jones sent a further message saying: “I hope my message did not upset you. I love you.” M replied the following day: “Not at all mate. It’s nice to be loved.”
Asked about his use of the word “mate”, M said it was intended to establish a boundary. “I know I’d made it very clear that … it wasn’t moving into a relationship, so ‘mate’ was my way of pushing back, I guess,” he told the court.
M said he believed Jones was “a person that is in love with me”, but that he did not share those feelings.
He also described his last visit to Jones’s harbourside apartment. M said Jones repeatedly kissed him on the cheek towards his lips and told him words to the effect of: “I love you so much, you don’t know how much I love you.”
The complainant alleged he could feel Jones’s genitals against his leg. He said he pushed Jones away, replied “OK, mate” in a tone intended to mean “get away from me”, and left as quickly as possible.
The court also heard that Jones sent M gifts, including flowers weekly for years and a dinner set. M agreed that he had sent Jones flowers at least once.
