Australian veteran broadcaster and former rugby coach Alan Jones has been accused of sexual harassment. Jones, 83, was arrested at his Sydney apartment on Monday (November 18) morning. He is accused of sexually assaulting seven men and a 17-year-old boy. The British media reported the news.
In a statement, New South Wales police said a detective team dedicated to combating child abuse arrested Allen Jones at his home near the harbor in the Sydney suburb of Circular Quay. A team was formed last March to investigate allegations of harassment and sexual touch between 2001 and 2019. Allen Jones was arrested seven months later. At this time, various electronic devices including laptop, mobile phone, hard drive were seized from his house.
A total of 24 charges were brought against him between 2001 and 2019, including 11 counts of aggravated indecent assault. All but two of the charges involved simple assault and sexual offenses. Jones has also been convicted of defamation numerous times.
Jones, one of Australia's most influential media personalities, previously denied the allegations in The Sydney Morning Herald in 2023.
Police said some of the accused knew Jones personally and at least one was his staff.
The others allegedly assaulted her when they first met her, NSW Police's Michael Fitzgerald said.
But Jones has been granted conditional bail and will appear in court on December 18.
From 1984 to 1998, Allen Jones was the head coach of the Australian men's rugby union team. The team under him won 86 matches in 102 matches. During his time the team won the 'Grand Slam' against Great Britain, Scotland, Wales and Ireland. He then embarked on a radio career. Allen has done various popular shows on Sydney radio stations 2GB and 2UE and television network Sky News.
