Mother of first Alan Jones complainant tells trial she trusted the broadcaster as her teenage son's mentor
The Sydney Morning Herald and ABC News reported on 20 October that the mother of the first complainant in Alan Jones's trial gave evidence about her son's visit to Jones's property at Fitzroy Falls. ABC News reported that she said her son's mood was different after a two-night stay when he was 17, and that about ten days later he wrote her a letter saying something had happened. The Sydney Morning Herald said she broke down in tears over the letter. Guardian Australia reported that she told the court she absolutely trusted Jones, whom she saw as a mentor. ABC News reported that Jones, 85, has pleaded not guilty to 21 counts of indecent assault and sexual touching involving five male complainants. Prosecutor Georgina Wright SC asked why she kept corresponding with Jones after her son disclosed the alleged assault.
A parent's account of changes in a teenager's behaviour and of a written disclosure is evidence of what happened afterwards, not proof of the alleged conduct. Jurors weigh such testimony alongside the complainant's own evidence and cross-examination by the defence.
Readers should remember that the allegations are untested and Jones denies them. Anyone affected by sexual abuse can contact 1800RESPECT for confidential support.
The prosecution case, as reported by ABC News, uses the mother's evidence to show the complainant's trust in Jones and a prompt written disclosure.
The questions the mother faced about continuing contact with Jones, reported by ABC News, show the line of challenge the defence is expected to press, and Jones has pleaded not guilty to every count.
Confirmed: the mother's evidence and the not guilty pleas to 21 counts, reported by ABC News and the Sydney Morning Herald. Not confirmed: any finding on the allegations. Watch for the complainants' own evidence and the defence response as the trial continues.
DailyDrop Australia edition No. 17 · Morning · WED., OCT. 21, 2026