Complainant 'Distraught' When Alan Jones Put Hand Under Table, Trial Hears

A witness described a former colleague of veteran broadcaster Alan Jones appearing "distraught" and "in shock" during a lunch where Jones allegedly placed his hand under the table. The complainant, identified as C, is one of six men alleging Mr. Jones touched and kissed him without consent multiple times in 2008.

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He looked distraught. He looked … in shock. Upset.

Mr. Jones has pleaded not guilty to 20 counts of indecent assault and two of sexual touching. The current trial includes eight charges specifically related to Complainant C, who had finished giving evidence earlier. During the lunch in question, Complainant C alleged that Mr. Jones sat beside him and rested his hand on his upper thigh or groin for the duration of the meal.

The witness present at the lunch stated he observed Mr. Jones swirling wine with his right hand, while his left hand remained under the table. He recalled that two other men at the lunch appeared "startled" and "amused" by the situation. When asked about Complainant C's reaction, the witness described him as looking "distraught," "in shock," and "upset." The witness could not see what was under the table but noted Complainant C was shaking his head and saying "unbelievable."

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His head was down. He didn't look up. I distinctly remember thinking 'something bad has happened here'.

Earlier testimony from Complainant C revealed that after the lunch, another colleague made an embarrassing "joking" comment about the incident. The current witness recalled overhearing a similar comment directed at Complainant C: "you were copping a feel." He attributed this remark to one of the men who had seemed amused. The witness distinctly remembered thinking at the time, "something bad has happened here," as Complainant C appeared "absolutely devastated" while leaving the event, even as Mr. Jones patted his back and squeezed the back of his neck.

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He looked very, very, very upset. He kind of reared away from the touch.