Alan Jones Trial: Butler Testifies on Athlete Greeting 2026

In the ongoing Alan Jones trial, a former butler has testified that the broadcaster would welcome a prominent athlete to his luxury harbourside apartment with “a hug and a slap on the bottom” and call him “champion”. The testimony came during the eighth week of the trial at Sydney’s Downing Centre Local Court, where Jones, 85, faces 21 charges of indecent assault and sexual touching. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Butler Details Decades of Service

David Allan, 79, who worked as Jones’s butler and household manager for 18 and a half years until August 2019, took the stand on Wednesday. He described his role as working at “the coalface” of the broadcaster’s domestic life, cooking, cleaning, and ironing everything—including Jones’s underpants and socks. Allan told the court that his employer “tried to exist on 2.5 hours [sleep] a day”. “I polished the shoes and cleaned the loos and everything else you do in a house,” he said.

Greeting Described as “Always the Same”

Prosecutor Georgina Wright asked Allan how Jones would greet the prominent athlete, known as complainant M, when he arrived at the apartment. Allan replied: “Well, it was always the same as all sports people seemed to get—a hug and a slap on the bottom.” He also noted that Jones would call the athlete “champion” and “beautiful man”. Allan recalled that the athlete visited the apartment on eight or nine occasions.

Complainant M’s Allegations

Complainant M has told the court that Jones would welcome him with a hug and a kiss on the cheek and use flattering terms like “champion” and “beautiful man”. His case involves two of the 21 charges against Jones. The trial continues to hear testimony from various witnesses as the prosecution builds its case.

Key Takeaways from the Testimony

• Butler’s detailed account: David Allan provided a vivid description of Jones’s daily life and interactions with sportspeople.
• Greeting pattern: Jones allegedly greeted a prominent athlete with a hug and a slap on the bottom, calling him “champion”.
• Frequency of visits: The athlete visited Jones’s apartment eight or nine times, according to Allan.
• Ongoing trial: Jones faces 21 charges and has pleaded not guilty; the trial is in its eighth week.

Comparison of Testimonies

The court has heard from both the butler and complainant M, whose accounts of Jones’s greetings show some consistency but also notable differences. The table below summarises their key statements.

Background of the Trial

The trial, now in its eighth week, has drawn significant media attention due to Jones’s high profile as a former radio broadcaster and rugby coach. The charges relate to alleged incidents involving multiple complainants over several years. Jones’s defence team has been cross-examining witnesses, seeking to challenge the credibility of the allegations.

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