One of nine Alan Jones accusers withdraws from indecent assault case

Prosecutors have dropped the case of one of Alan Jones’ nine accusers, including a charge the former broadcaster indecently touched the young man more than a decade ago.

Jones was not in Sydney’s Downing Centre Local Court on Tuesday as his lawyer Bryan Wrench flagged one of the 27 charges was being dropped against his client. The 84-year-old previously pleaded not guilty to 25 counts of indecent assault, now standing at 24 counts, and two counts of sexual touching.

Judge Greg Grogin confirmed one count of assault with an act of indecency would be withdrawn and dismissed against Jones.

It was the only charge relating to a man known only as “Complainant K”, who had previously alleged Jones “grabbed (him) on his bottom during an event” at Tamworth between October and November 2013.

The former talkback host had allegedly abused young men throughout two decades, according to the eight remaining complainants.

It’s alleged this included at the Sydney Opera House and a lower north shore restaurant, as well as at Jones’ various homes and former workplaces.

Strike Force Bonnefin was established to investigate the former teacher and Wallabies coach following a major investigation by The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age.

Documents previously seen by this masthead showed the allegations include fondling penises, stroking thighs and squeezing bottoms. He is also accused of pulling a man’s scrotum and masturbating during one alleged indecent assault.

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.