Alan Jones’ longtime butler, David Allan, testified in Sydney’s Downing Centre Local Court on Thursday as part of the broadcaster’s trial on multiple charges of indecent assault and sexual touching. Allan, who was employed by Jones for more than 18 years at the media personality’s Circular Quay apartment, said he never observed Jones behaving inappropriately toward the men who have made allegations against him.

Jones, a former 2GB radio host, faces 19 counts of indecent assault and two counts of sexual touching, relating to incidents alleged to have occurred between 2003 and 2020. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges and denies the claims that he kissed or groped five male complainants without their consent. The trial has been ongoing for nearly eight weeks and has heard from four male complainants, three of whom assert that Jones kissed them without their permission in the apartment building known as “the Toaster.”

During his testimony, Allan described the nature of Jones' interactions with some complainants, including one identified only as Complainant M. Allan said Jones would typically greet M with a hug and a “slap on the bottom,” a gesture Allan attributed to a familiar form of greeting common among sportspeople. When questioned by Crown prosecutor Georgina Wright SC about this behavior, Allan acknowledged such contact might be considered inappropriate by today’s standards but insisted it was routine within that social circle.

Allan, who turned 79 on the day he gave evidence, also provided insight into his role managing Jones’ apartment and personal affairs. He described Jones’ demanding work schedule and said his duties included running the household, preparing meals, shopping for groceries, and assisting with entertaining a constant flow of high-profile guests such as athletes, politicians, and celebrities. Allan detailed his involvement in Jones’ wardrobe management, explaining that he would design, buy fabric for, and maintain Jones’ colorful suits and shoes, even ironing his shirts, underwear, and socks, though he conceded under cross-examination that Jones may have been unaware of the extent to which Allan took care of these tasks.

At the close of Allan’s testimony, the presiding Judge Walsh thanked him for appearing in court on his birthday. Allan responded with a lighthearted remark referencing oysters and chilled Chablis, bringing a brief moment of levity to the proceedings.

The trial is set to continue on Tuesday, October 6.