Sex Abuse Charges Against Top Aussie Radio Host Downgraded

Prosecutors have downgraded some of the most serious sex abuse charges against veteran broadcaster and former Wallabies coach Alan Jones after a recent court hearing, BBC News reported.

Jones now faces 25 counts of indecent assault and two counts of sexual touching. (Photo: Allan Jones Facebook)

Jones now faces 27 charges alleging that he indecently assaulted or groped nine men over two decades.

Eleven counts of aggravated indecent assault—considered more serious because they allegedly involved people under his authority—were downgraded. Some charges were also dropped altogether.

The influential 84-year-old media figure has denied all charges. The case, now set to be heard before a magistrate rather than a jury, will return to court next month.

Deputy Chief Magistrate Sharon Freund said the case had been reshaped after two alleged victims withdrew, though no explanation was provided for their withdrawal.

Jones now faces 25 counts of indecent assault and two counts of sexual touching.

His lawyer, Bryan Wrench, told the court the dropped charges were a “very big development” and a “significant concession,” according to reports from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).