A witness explains the texts

A prominent athlete told a Sydney court he kept messaging Alan Jones after two alleged non-consensual kisses. His reason: Jones was powerful and had been good to him.

“I was being polite”

Why wish him a happy Christmas

The prosecutor asked why he sent festive greetings after the alleged incidents. He pointed to the imbalance between them, and to help Jones had given him over the years.

“Someone also who's been generous to me at times in my life”

Third of six complainants

Known as complainant M, the former athlete is giving evidence in week seven of the trial. Jones, 85, denies 20 counts of indecent assault and two of sexual touching.

The flattering messages

The defence walked M through Jones's texts, including one calling him special. M said the overwhelming compliments made him uncomfortable.

“If someone hasn't told you, let me be the person who tells you that you're special”

Two kisses, two years apart

M described an unwanted kiss at a 2015 event and another at Jones's Macquarie Street apartment in 2020. Both were a shock, he said, and neither was consensual.

“I did not want to be kissed by him in that way”

Trapped in the apartment

M said he was alone and seated when Jones stood over him and leaned in. Trying to stand, he felt something behind him blocking his escape, then said "OK mate" and left abruptly.

“I felt there was something behind me when I tried to get away”

Twenty years of friendship

Under cross-examination M agreed Jones had championed him publicly and helped him through personal crises, and that he replied to some messages with love and kisses.

“It was both professional and there was a personal side”

He held his ground

The defence pressed with dozens of questions and photographs, suggesting the kiss never happened. M did not move. He is the first complainant to face Jones in a closed court.

“Alan Jones kissed me.”