Alan Jones has been hit with fresh criminal charges as high-profile Australians responded to indecent assault allegations against the once-powerful broadcaster. or signup to continue reading The 83-year-old is preparing to fight a slew of charges relating to nine alleged victims. Two extra allegations were added on Tuesday, bringing the total number of charges to 26, including 11 counts of aggravated indecent assault.
The youngest alleged victim was 17 years old. Jones was not seen in public on Tuesday. A day earlier, he returned to his luxury apartment in Sydney's Circular Quay following a dramatic arrest and transfer to a nearby police station.
Australian Rugby League Commission and Racing NSW boss Peter V'landys was surprised by the arrest. "The dealings I've had with Alan Jones, I've never seen ..
. that side," he told reporters. "Mind you, my dealings have always been in a business approach, it's never been in any other way.
" In a statement to the Australian Financial Review, billionaire James Packer described Jones as a friend. "He is entitled to the presumption of innocence," Mr Packer said. Peta Credlin, who served as chief of staff to former prime minister Tony Abbott, co-hosted a Sky News program with Jones.
"The behaviour alleged is entirely out of character with the man I've known," she said. "I wish my friend well." The reaction from other prominent figures has been mixed.
Jones' former 2GB radio stablemate Ray Hadley said he had not spoken to him for five years ".
