Complainant M has defended his credibility in Sydney’s Downing Centre Local Court during the criminal trial of former broadcaster Alan Jones, telling the court he cannot erase a 2015 incident from his memory despite intense cross-examination from defence lawyers, according to reporting by ABC News and news.com.au. Mr Jones has pleaded not guilty to 22 charges of indecent assault and sexual touching involving six male complainants.
Cross-Examination Focuses on Event Discrepancies and Timeline
During the third day of evidence on Thursday, defence barrister Gabrielle Bashir SC pressed Complainant M regarding five police statements given over a two-year period from 2024 to 2026, pointing out conflicting descriptions of his body position during the alleged 2015 incident at a public event. According to news.com.au, one police statement indicated the complainant faced away from the audience while Mr Jones faced toward it, whereas another statement suggested the encounter occurred as the complainant walked off stage and Mr Jones walked on. When questioned about these discrepancies and presented with dozens of event photographs, Complainant M maintained his position. “I know the kiss happened because I can’t get it out of my memory,” he told the court, as reported by ABC News. He acknowledged he might not recall precise table arrangements or viewing directions, but insisted the core allegation remains true.
Text Message Exchanges and ‘Lots of Love’ Sign-Offs Examined
Defence counsel also scrutinized text message exchanges between the two men following the event, highlighting a message sent to Complainant M on his way home which read, according to ABC News, “… I hope you can feel my kisses darling”. News.com.au reported that Mr Jones also texted the complainant that he looked “beautiful” that night, prompting two quick responses within five minutes that concluded with the words “Lots of love”. When Ms Bashir suggested he could have ignored the message, Complainant M explained he agonized over how to reply because he wanted things to go back to normal. “I wanted the kiss that happened to have never happened,” he told the court, according to ABC News. The defence further pointed out that phrases involving kisses were frequent sign-offs from Mr Jones, referencing another day when a text said, “feel my kisses darling all over,” even though the two men had not seen each other.
Shirtless Photograph and Subsequent Contact Examined
The court reviewed a 2015 text exchange where Complainant M sent a shirtless photograph of himself to Mr Jones. According to news.com.au, Mr Jones replied, “I love the photo. I love you. I want to kiss you for hours. That is beautiful.” When Mr Jones added a text hoping the message did not cause offense, Complainant M replied, “Not at all mate, it’s nice to be loved,” explaining to the court that he used the word “mate” to ensure the exchange was not seen as flirty. Under further cross-examination, Complainant M agreed he saw Mr Jones multiple times in subsequent years—including dinners, stays at Mr Jones’s Fitzroy Falls property, and an occasion where the athlete asked to work with the broadcaster on an event—despite telling police earlier that he did not recall seeing Mr Jones in person again right away. The athlete stated he was attempting to forget the incident and act as though it had never occurred. The trial continues in Sydney.
Frequently Asked Questions
What charges does Alan Jones face?
Mr Jones has pleaded not guilty to 22 charges of indecent assault and sexual touching involving six male complainants, according to ABC News.
Who is Complainant M?
Complainant M is a high-profile athlete who is giving evidence in the Sydney criminal trial, alleging that Mr Jones kissed him without consent in 2015 and 2020.
What is the status of the legal proceedings?
The criminal trial is continuing at Sydney’s Downing Centre Local Court, with ongoing cross-examination led by defence barrister Gabrielle Bashir SC.
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