Source : Perth Now news
A prominent author and journalist is revealing how a radio staffer broke down in tears and was “revolted” when alleging he was groped by talkback titan Alan Jones.
Peter FitzSimons entered the witness box in a Sydney court on Thursday to testify in Jones’s trial on 22 charges of indecent assault and sexual touching without consent.
Eight charges relate to the former radio staffer, who claims he was subjected to unwanted kisses in lifts and groped by the former top-rating breakfast radio host while driving and at an event.
He broke down in tears years later and was “deeply upset” when confiding in FitzSimons about the alleged indecent assaults, the journalist and author told Sydney’s Downing Centre Local Court.
FitzSimons said prominent radio broadcaster Ray Hadley put him in touch with the man, who remained anonymous throughout their conversation over the phone.
The young man described Jones as “the most important, the most powerful person at 2GB” – Sydney’s No.1 radio station at the time – and recalled how he had been drawn into his orbit, FitzSimons said.
“Mr Jones had noticed his work, complimented him, drawn him in,” he told the court.
“Mixed in with the compliments were the occasional blasts.”
He said the radio staffer disclosed he had been driving Jones when the older man put his hand on his knee and moved it to his groin to stroke his genitals, which he pushed away.
“He made it absolutely clear he was revolted at what happened but he was also deeply upset at himself not being stronger (in) pushing away,” FitzSimons said.
“He was very, very upset.
“It was clear I was speaking to somebody who was completely emotionally traumatised.”
The radio staffer also described getting into a lift at Jones’s Circular Quay home with his hands fully laden and the veteran broadcaster pushing him against the wall, grabbing his groin, and kissing him “romantically”.
FitzSimons said he learned the radio staffer was panicking and spiralling after the conversation so he said he wouldn’t take the allegations any further.
He took a long look at Jones as he faced him from the opposite side of the room, but the longtime shock jock appeared to avoid eye contact.
Instead, Jones read documents and looked straight ahead with an expression of concentration.
The 85-year-old has pleaded not guilty to all charges, which are alleged to have occurred between 2003 and 2020 in Sydney and the NSW Southern Highlands.
Jones, whose 35-year career spanned TV and radio, has dismissed the allegations by the six complainants as false and motivated by matters including rivalry, treachery and opportunism.
The trial, expected to run four months, continues.
1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)
National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028
