Peter FitzSimons, a Sydney Morning Herald columnist, has testified in the Alan Jones trial, describing an alleged victim as "tearful" and "emotionally traumatised" during a 2019 phone call. The evidence, given at the Downing Centre local court on Thursday, detailed allegations against the 85-year-old former 2GB broadcaster, who has pleaded not guilty to 22 charges of indecent assault and sexual touching.
FitzSimons recounts 2019 call with alleged victim
FitzSimons told the court he spoke with the alleged victim, identified as complainant C, in October 2019. The man, who remained anonymous, alleged that Jones had pushed him against a lift wall and kissed him "romantically" at the broadcaster's Circular Quay apartment a decade earlier. C also described a Christmas lunch where Jones was "gripping his penis" under the table, according to FitzSimons.
"He was very tearful … he was very, very upset," FitzSimons said. "It was clear I was speaking to someone who was emotionally traumatised." The journalist said C told him Jones would touch his leg and penis while he was driving for him. "He said I didn't say no … but I kept pushing it away," FitzSimons added.
Allegations detail grooming and abuse
FitzSimons said he was put in contact with C by 2GB broadcaster Ray Hadley, and he took notes of the conversation on his computer, later sharing them with SMH investigative reporter Kate McClymont. Hadley has previously told the court the conversation lasted between 30 and 40 minutes.
"He made it clear he was revolted by what happened but he was deeply upset for not being stronger," FitzSimons said. C explained he was a junior employee at 2GB in his early 20s when Jones, described as "the sun king," began paying attention to him and complimenting him. Jones eventually offered him a job as a driver.
Cross-examination highlights inconsistencies
The court heard C told FitzSimons he was "thrilled to be driving for Jones" and couldn't believe the "No 1 person" at 2GB was noticing him. FitzSimons said C reported that Jones began touching him inappropriately, including at a lunch where his hand went onto C's penis under the table. C also alleged two senior media identities were "laughing at his discomfort," including 2GB broadcaster Jason Morrison.
FitzSimons said Hadley later told him C was emotionally fragile and "spiralling," and he agreed not to pursue a story. During cross-examination by Jones's barrister Gabrielle Bashir SC, FitzSimons's notes were scrutinised. The notes said Jones would put his hand on C's thigh and then "manipulate my penis." Bashir questioned why FitzSimons said "thigh" in one account and "knee" during evidence in chief. "You will appreciate the difference between the knee and the thigh is a matter of two inches," FitzSimons replied.
The trial before judge Glenn Walsh continues, with Jones denying 20 charges of indecent assault and two counts of sexual touching relating to six men. Eight of the charges specifically relate to complainant C.
