Key facts
- Columnist Peter FitzSimons testified in court about a conversation with complainant C regarding alleged assaults by Alan Jones.
- Complainant C told FitzSimons he was 'tearful' and 'emotionally traumatised' when describing alleged incidents.
- FitzSimons recounted C's allegations of Jones kissing him romantically and gripping his penis under a table.
- Complainant C alleged Jones touched his leg and penis while driving him.
- Alan Jones has pleaded not guilty to 20 charges of indecent assault and two counts of sexual touching.
Sydney Morning Herald columnist Peter FitzSimons testified in the Downing Centre local court on Thursday about a telephone call he had with complainant C in October 2019, detailing alleged assaults by broadcaster Alan Jones. FitzSimons stated that the man, who remained anonymous to him, alleged that Jones had pushed him against a wall and kissed him 'romantically' at his apartment a decade earlier. C also described a Christmas lunch where Jones was 'gripping his penis' under the table, FitzSimons told the court.
FitzSimons said C was 'very tearful' and 'emotionally traumatised' during their conversation. The journalist recounted C's allegations that Jones would touch his leg and penis while driving for him, and that C felt 'revolted by what happened but he was deeply upset for not being stronger.' C, who was a junior employee at 2GB in his early 20s, described Jones as 'the sun king' who paid him attention and complimented him before offering him a driver job.
FitzSimons was put in contact with C by 2GB broadcaster Ray Hadley and took notes of the conversation, later sharing them with SMH investigative reporter Kate McClymont. Hadley had previously told the court the conversation lasted between 30 and 40 minutes. FitzSimons' contemporaneous notes indicated C alleged Jones would put his hand on his thigh and then 'manipulate my penis.' During cross-examination by Jones's barrister Gabrielle Bashir SC, FitzSimons was questioned about discrepancies between his evidence and notes regarding the location of the touching.
Alan Jones has pleaded not guilty to 20 charges of indecent assault and two counts of sexual touching in relation to six men, with eight charges relating to complainant C. The trial continues before Judge Glenn Walsh.