Footy legend who played for Alan Jones breaks his silence just before ex-radio star faces court on sexual touching and indecent assault charges

Daily Mail​

5 days ago

Footy legend Ben Elias has branded Alan Jones an 'absolute great man' who has devoted his life to selflessly helping other people in his first statement on the radio star's legal battle.
It comes as Jones, 83, is due to face court in July as the one-time Wallabies coach faces 11 counts of aggravated indecent assault, 20 counts of assault with act of indecency, two counts of sexually touching another person without consent and two counts of common assault.
Speaking on 2WAY FM - a community radio station based on the mid-north coast of NSW - Balmain Tigers great Elias told veteran host Dave Lazarus he caught up with Jones on Monday alongside fellow footy star Steve Roach and another friend.
Elias - who played under Jones when he coached the Balmain Tigers from 1991 to 1993 - also confirmed the veteran broadcaster was in 'great spirits'.
'We all know Alan. He's an absolute legend,' Elias began on Monday.
'Me, "Blocker" Roach and a bloke named Grant Vandenberg – we went over to AJ's today (Monday) and had an absolute delightful lunch... the bloke's in great spirits.
'You know, it's a remarkable position that he's in, which I certainly feel sorry for him in many ways. True bloke, great man.
'He's done amazing, amazing things for people, that people don't recognise. For what he's up for, I'd be very, very surprised if anything comes about it.
'But look, who knows? I can't say other than the bloke is an absolute, great man.'
Elias added: 'He has been one hell of a man who's helped many charities, many, many, many charities and many young people along the way, mate.
'He's been an absolute legend. I hope that everything goes well for him.'
Jones is accused of historical sexual assault offences allegedly committed in various locations across NSW, including Newtown, the Sydney CBD, Fitzroy Falls, Alexandria and Tamworth between 2001 and 2019.
Police have previously stated the youngest alleged victim was 17 at the time of the alleged offence.
Jones has denied all wrongdoing and is expected to plead not guilty to all charges.
'These allegations are either baseless or distort the truth,' he told reporters.
Jones also said he was given no opportunity by police to respond to any of the claims prior to his dramatic arrest.
'I have never indecently assaulted these people... I am emphatic that I'll be defending every charge before a jury in due course,' he said.
Previous allegations levelled against Jones include that he rubbed the inner thigh and genitals of multiple former employees and attempted to kiss others on the mouth and squeeze their bottoms.
Jones began a hugely influential life on the airwaves in 1985 after a failed career in politics, becoming a feared interviewer who excelled at grilling leaders while dividing audiences with his outspoken views.
He first worked with Sydney radio station 2UE before joining rival 2GB, where he was a long-time ratings juggernaut.
NSW Police said State Crime Command's Child Abuse Squad established Strike Force Bonnefin in March last year to investigate a number of alleged indecent assaults and sexual touching incidents between 2001 and 2019.
Jones will next face court on July 8.