Former broadcaster Ray Hadley provided key testimony on Tuesday in the ongoing trial of former radio host Alan Jones, recounting a young 2GB staff member’s repeated allegations of indecent assault. The staffer, identified only as Complainant C, claims Jones subjected him to unwanted sexual advances on multiple occasions between 2014 and 2019.

Hadley, appearing as a witness for the first time, told the court that Complainant C approached him in 2019 at the 2GB offices in Pyrmont, reporting he had been sexually assaulted by Jones in various locations, including lift wells and in Jones’s car. The complainant described incidents of Jones kissing him and touching him inappropriately without consent, leading to emotional distress.

“He said, ‘He [Jones] put his hand on my cock and kissed me,’” Hadley told the court. Hadley said C broke down in tears when asked if he was homosexual or consenting to the conduct, expressing that he was neither and that he hated the experiences. C also confided that he had not informed his father but had told his wife.

According to Hadley, C described the assaults as occurring regularly, particularly during elevator rides at 2GB, where Jones would allegedly press him against the wall and kiss him despite C’s attempts to turn away. The complainant also recalled an incident at a lunch where Jones allegedly touched him under the table while seated beside him. Hadley said two colleagues, Jason Morrison and Gavin Carmody, were reportedly present and reacted by laughing, which contributed to C’s feelings of embarrassment and helplessness.

Hadley said he tried to offer comfort and suggested reporting the claims to management or authorities, but C declined, fearing damage to his career due to Jones’s influence. Hadley acknowledged that C contacted him again in December 2023 to announce his decision to speak with journalist Kate McClymont for an upcoming news story. With C’s permission, Hadley discussed the allegations on air when the story was published, using a pseudonym and carefully vetted language.

Hadley also noted that journalists Peter FitzSimons and McClymont had approached him about a developing story involving Jones, and on the day C confided in him, he facilitated a phone conversation between C and FitzSimons, during which C disclosed the allegations in full, remaining composed throughout.

Jones has pleaded not guilty to 20 counts of indecent assault and two counts of sexual touching related to multiple complainants. During Hadley’s testimony, Judge Walsh cautioned him once for initially failing to use the term “allegedly” when recounting unproven allegations, which Hadley corrected promptly.

Throughout the proceedings, Jones maintained a stoic demeanor, taking notes and conferring quietly with his defence counsel, Bryan Wrench. Hadley concluded his testimony for the day without incident and is set to resume on Wednesday.