From the Guardian · · 1m 30s
'I would like to be kissing you all night', court hears
An athlete tells a Sydney court how weekly flowers and glowing praise ended in a kiss he never agreed to.
In brief
An athlete tells a Sydney court how weekly flowers and glowing praise ended in a kiss he never agreed to. Years of gifts and flattery built the closeness that the alleged victim says left him frozen and unable to speak up at a public event. Originally reported by the Guardian.
A kiss across the room
A prominent athlete told Sydney's Downing Centre that Alan Jones kissed him on the corner of his mouth as he walked back to his table at a public event.
He froze
The witness said he said nothing at the time. He could not explain why it was happening, or why it was happening in front of a room full of people.
“I was shocked and embarrassed and I knew I did not want to be there”
Then came the text
After the dinner, Jones texted him words to the effect of wanting to kiss him all night. Asked by prosecutor Georgina Wright SC if he had consented, he said no.
“I would like to be kissing you all night”
Flowers every week
The athlete said he once complimented the flowers on Jones's dining table. After that, Jones's driver delivered a fresh bouquet to his home every week for years.
Praise that got uncomfortable
Interviewed by Jones as a teenager, he later ate at his Circular Quay apartment. The introductions were so glowing they felt awkward, with hugs, cheek kisses and "beautiful man".
“If someone hasn't told you, let me be the person who tells you that you're special”
22 charges, all denied
This is the first day of evidence from complainant M, the third alleged victim, whose case covers two of 22 indecent assault and sexual touching charges. Jones has pleaded not guilty.
Here's the gist
Years of gifts and flattery built the closeness that the alleged victim says left him frozen and unable to speak up at a public event.
