‘Out of character’: Peta Credlin weighs in on Alan Jones charges

Sky News host Peta Credlin has declared the charges laid against her long time friend Alan Jones as “entirely out of character with the man I’ve known”.

The former Liberal staffer told viewers on Monday night she did not know what had happened in the past but stressed that he remained innocent until proven guilty.

The veteran broadcaster, who in his 80s, is facing 24 charges over historical indecent assault and sexual touching offences with his lawyers indicating he will fight the allegations.

“I’ve known Alan well for nearly two decades, and seen him in many different contexts, and the behaviour alleged is entirely out of character with the man I’ve known,” Credlin said.

“These allegations will now be tested in court where evidence will be put forward and that evidence judged. All of it, in a very public way.

“As it should be because we believe in the rule of law in this country and we expect it to be applied openly, transparently and fairly.”

Lawyers representing Jones have previously insisted he is innocent, telling Nine newspapers last year he “denies ever having indecently assaulted the persons referred to in your letter, and your suggestion that he has is scandalous, grossly offensive and seriously defamatory of him”.

Claims media tipped off

Peta Credlin raised concerns over how the arrival of police at Jones home became public, suggesting it was obvious the media had been tipped off ahead of time.

“I note that he wasn’t given the option of presenting himself to the police station, and plainly, the media were briefed in advance of what was to happen — something that doesn’t sit well with any of us who expect justice to be blind,” she said.

“We are not judges here, nor are we the jury.

“I wish my friend well for what will be a difficult few months ahead. I do not know what happened in the past, but I know tonight — for everyone involved — this is a traumatic day.”

Andrew Bolt weighs in

Sky News host Andrew Bolt said that it was an extraordinary turn of events.

“This could be one of greatest falls from grace we have seen in this country,” Bolt said.

“If so, we are going to be asking ourselves how people bend to power. And ask who else knew of what Jones allegedly did?

“Are our free speech laws so ridiculous now that it’s now too dangerous to raise such allegations against the powerful?

“Certainly alleged victims have said they didn’t dare speak against a man with so much influence.”

Police praise alleged victims

Assistant police commissioner Michael Fitzgerald said the investigation was ongoing.

“I wish to commend the victims and their bravery in coming forward,” he said.

“They fully are aware, as are the investigators, that the hard work is just beginning, and they have given their statements fully aware that they will go before the courts.”

“The strike force will continue, and [officers are] currently talking to people and will continue to talk to people.”

Lawyer slams police comments

But Jones’ criminal lawyer Chris Murphy criticised Mr Fitzgerald for “praising witnesses who he might like to call victims”.

“This is a matter for a courtroom, and I believe he is in terrible breach doing that,” he said.

Jones himself rejected the allegations in a five-minute video released in March.

“I’m not going to dwell here on the allegations made about me other than I refute them entirely and the inferences associated with them,” Jones said.

“But the ‘get Jones’ campaign is nothing new in my life.”

Ray Hadley reacts to charges

2GB host Ray Hadley said he “had been aware of things happening behind the scenes for some time”.

“After working with Alan Jones for over three decades my relationship with him soured five years ago over allegations which have been aired in The Sydney Morning Herald previously,” Hadley said.

“I want to ensure that justice is served here and that commentators such as myself do not interfere with the process.

“At some time in the future those reasons why I’m not commenting on it today will become patently obvious to everyone. In the meantime I will say no more.”

“Editorial comment … has to be guided by legalities,” Hadley added.

Jones was granted conditional bail on Monday to appear at Downing Centre Local Court on Wednesday December 18.