A witness described as a close friend of broadcaster Alan Jones acknowledged in court that he sent supportive text messages to Jones and denied witnessing any inappropriate conduct at a 2008 lunch in Mosman. The testimony took place on Tuesday at Downing Centre local court, where Jones faces 20 charges of indecent assault and two counts of sexual touching involving six men. Jones, 85, has pleaded not guilty.

Under cross-examination by prosecutor Georgina Wright, the witness confirmed sending a message to Jones stating, “if you need me to refute any lies, I of course will.” The witness described himself as a loyal and “very good friend” of Jones, highlighting the strength of their relationship by testifying they shared an “unbreakable bond.” He also admitted to texting Jones phrases such as “the love of my life has always been you” and calling him “the greatest broadcaster there’s ever been.”

The witness denied being present at the Mosman restaurant during the lunch hosted by Jones, saying, “I don’t recall ever having lunch in the Mosman area.” He further stated he had never seen Jones behave in any sexually inappropriate manner. Prosecutor Wright challenged him on whether his loyalty to Jones had influenced his testimony, suggesting he might not be answering questions truthfully. The witness maintained that he answered all questions accurately.

Earlier in the trial, testimony from another guest claimed that a complainant, identified as “C,” appeared distressed during the Mosman lunch while Jones allegedly had his hand under the table on or near the complainant’s thigh. That witness also stated Jones had instructed him to sit beside him and spent the lunch with his left hand under the table.

The witness on Tuesday also described communications with journalist Kate McClymont following publication of allegations against Jones in late 2023. He conceded having a hostile view of McClymont’s reporting, referring to her with derogatory terms. He admitted initially declining a telephone conversation with the journalist but later spoke with her at Jones’s request, telling her he had not observed any inappropriate conduct.

Text messages presented in court further revealed the witness’s dismissive attitude toward the allegations, describing them as a “bullshit witch hunt” and blaming “people of the left” for targeting Jones. He emphasized that he and other friends remained “right behind” Jones and would continue supporting him.

The prosecution sought to highlight the witness’s partiality, noting a two-day delay in his testimony after being designated as an unfavorable witness. The case against Jones contends that he sexually assaulted multiple men, with some witnesses reporting seeing Jones make jokes about the alleged groping.

The trial, presided over by Judge Glenn Walsh, is ongoing.