Former Australian radio host and national rugby coach on trial for sex charges

Retired Sydney radio broadcaster and former Australian national rugby coach Alan Jones is standing trial on accusations he committed sexual offenses against six men and boys over two decadesSYDNEY -- The trial of a retired Sydney radio broadcaster and former Australian national rugby coach accused of sexual offenses against six men and boys over two decades began on Monday.The 85-year-old has pleaded not guilty to 20 counts of indecent assault and two of sexual touching without consent. The offenses were allegedly committed between 2003 and when he retired from radio in 2020 at various locations in Sydney and at his farm on the Southern Highlands in New South Wales state.Jones and his lawyers did not answer reporters’ questions as they arrived at the Downing Center Local Court in Sydney on Monday morning. The trial is expected to hear more than 70 witnesses and continue for months. Jones opted to be tried by Judge Glenn Walsh without a jury. None of the six complainants can be identified for legal reasons.Prosecutor Georgina Wright said in her opening address that one of the complainants was about 16 years old and a budding sports champion when he first met Jones.Jones is accused o...