An extensive hearing concerning sex abuse allegations against Alan Jones has been scheduled to proceed, even as it emerged that the renowned radio personality might not have been informed about the police inquiry targeting him.

The 84-year-old is charged with 25 counts of indecent assault along with two charges of sexual touching, involving nine purported victims.

During today’s session at Downing Centre Local Court, crown prosecutor Emma Curran revealed there are 139 witnesses lined up for the prosecution.

Attempts to lower this witness count have been hindered, as Jones has yet to disclose which senior counsel is representing him, Curran explained to Magistrate Glenn Walsh.

On the defense side, solicitor Bryan Wrench indicated that Jones plans to present his own witnesses, asserting that they possess a significant amount of evidence that could prove his innocence.

The defense team has petitioned prosecutors to revisit a September decision that opted for a comprehensive hearing in the Local Court rather than before a District Court jury.

The radio host, who denies the charges, was charged after an investigation by Sydney Morning Herald journalist Kate McClymont in 2023.

McClymont had declined to provide notes of her investigation or interviews with witnesses to Jones’ defence team, Wrench said on today.

Journalists often speak with sources under strict confidence and are not automatically required to divulge information to defence lawyers.

Wrench also said police had refused to confirm whether their investigation against the former radio host was complete.

Without these details, Jones did not know the case he was meant to answer and may not be ready for a hearing in the second half of 2026, Wrench told the court.

“Whilst he’s been deprived of a jury trial, we don’t want to deprive Mr Jones of a fair hearing in this court.”

The magistrate tersely shut down the solicitor’s submissions, setting down dates for hearing.

The hearing will start on August 3 and could run until December.

The case will return to court on November 20 for further management.

Wrench did not speak to reporters outside court.

Jones had faced allegations of historical sex offences against 11 individuals – the youngest of whom was then aged 17 – until prosecutors reconfigured their case in September.

Claims involving two alleged victims were dropped and accusations the conduct was aggravated or that Jones held power or authority over his alleged victims were withdrawn.

The former radio shock jock has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

The remaining allegations against Jones suggest a pattern of indecent assaults between 2003 and 2020.

Jones’ sexual misconduct is alleged to have occurred behind closed doors as well as in public spaces such as restaurants, the Sydney Opera House and when two of the complainants were driving him around.

The 84-year-old was arrested in November 2024 after an eight-month police investigation.

The charges, which he has claimed are “all either baseless or they distort the truth”, followed a hugely influential broadcasting career launched in 1985.

Jones became a feared interviewer who excelled at questioning leaders while dividing audiences with his outspoken views.

He worked with Sydney radio station 2UE before joining rival 2GB, where he was a long-time ratings juggernaut until 2020.

2GB is owned by Nine, the publisher of this website.

Alongside a failed tilt at politics, he also coached the Australian national men’s rugby union team through some historic achievements between 1984 and 1988.

1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)

National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028