Four additional criminal charges against former Australian broadcaster Alan Jones have been withdrawn by prosecutors during pre-trial proceedings in Sydney, narrowing the scope of the case ahead of a lengthy hearing scheduled to begin in early August. Jones, 85, continues to deny all allegations and has pleaded not guilty to the remaining charges.
The decision was announced in Sydney's Downing Centre Local Court, where several weeks of pre-trial hearings are being held before the judge-alone trial begins. Prosecutors withdrew four indecent assault charges involving two complainants, reducing the number of complainants involved in the case from eight to six.
Following the withdrawal of the latest allegations, Jones now faces 22 remaining charges, the majority of which are indecent assault offences. The allegations relate to incidents said to have occurred between 2003 and 2020 at various locations across New South Wales.
The four withdrawn charges related to complainants identified in court documents only as "Complainant D" and "Complainant G". As a result of the prosecution's decision, neither complainant will now form part of the upcoming trial. The reasons for withdrawing the charges were not outlined in open court.
Jones was first arrested in November 2024 following a police investigation into historical allegations. Throughout the proceedings, he has consistently denied any wrongdoing and has maintained that he intends to contest every remaining allegation during the trial.
The court also heard that dozens of witnesses are expected to give evidence during what is anticipated to be a lengthy hearing lasting several months. Pre-trial legal arguments continue to focus on evidentiary issues and other procedural matters before the case formally begins.
Under Australia's criminal justice system, the withdrawal of some charges does not determine the outcome of the remaining allegations. Jones remains entitled to the presumption of innocence, and the prosecution must prove each remaining charge beyond a reasonable doubt.
The trial is scheduled to commence on 3 August 2026 in Sydney's Downing Centre Local Court. Court proceedings over the coming weeks will continue to address legal and evidentiary issues before evidence from witnesses is presented.
