A man giving evidence in the Sydney Downing Centre Local Court said he feared a $110,000 debt after receiving payments from veteran broadcaster Alan Jones, who allegedly indecently assaulted him when he was a teenager.
The complainant, now an adult, told the court he met Jones when he was 14 and a rising athlete. He said Jones gave him a phone, a car, and a weekly stipend that later increased to $600, which continued for nine years.
He said he received an email from Jones's accountant outlining payments totalling $110,000. 'My heart almost stopped,' he told the court. 'I thought: there's no way I can pay that.' Jones later assured him he did not have to repay the funds.
The man also described an incident at Jones's property in Fitzroy Falls, where Jones allegedly told him to shower and return wearing only a robe. The complainant said he wore underpants underneath, and Jones scolded him before allegedly groping him and later following him to the bedroom.
Jones, 85, has pleaded not guilty to 22 counts of indecent assault and sexual touching without consent. His barrister suggested the allegations were concocted and said she would test the complainant's credibility in cross-examination.
National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service: 1800 211 028.
Source: narrominenewsonline.com.au
