Investigative Journalist Testifies in Sydney Court During Alan Jones Assault Trial

Sydney Morning Herald investigative reporter Kate McClymont returned to the witness box this week to provide evidence in the indecent assault and sexual touching trial of former radio broadcaster Alan Jones.

Jones, 85, has pleaded not guilty to 21 charges involving five male complainants, with alleged acts occurring between 2003 and 2020. The hearing is currently underway at the Downing Centre in Sydney.

The testimony is central to the case, as McClymont’s 2023 investigative series prompted other alleged victims to come forward, eventually leading to the formation of the police-led Strike Force Bonnefin.

During cross-examination, the court heard recordings and read text messages sent by the journalist to the mother of one complainant, in which she discussed the impact of police involvement.

In a recorded phone call played to the court, McClymont told the mother, "this would be an absolute nail in the coffin if the police were involved."

When questioned about the remark, McClymont said she was referring to the significance of the information for her reporting rather than the broadcaster’s personal fate.

"The fact that someone has come forward and said we went to police and made a statement… as far as the story goes this is a significant event," she said.

The defence team questioned the journalist regarding her motivations, suggesting she was part of a media campaign to target the former 2GB host by unearthing allegations against him.

McClymont denied that readership or advertising metrics influenced her work, telling the court that she had sought comment from Jones and his legal team before publishing her reports.

The court also heard that the journalist initially refused to share her interview notes or recordings with police, citing the confidentiality of her sources, until she was compelled by a subpoena.

McClymont further testified that she received a tip from a police media officer regarding the timing of Jones’s arrest in 2024 to ensure journalists could be present to document the event.

The trial, presided over by Judge Glenn Walsh, is expected to continue with further evidence from the journalist and other witnesses as the court examines the allegations against the retired broadcaster.