Broadcaster Alan Jones has previously denied allegations of indecent assault reported by local media.
Veteran Australian broadcaster and former rugby coach Alan Jones has been arrested following an investigation into two decades of sex crimes, local media reported.
Jones, 83, has been an Australian broadcaster since the mid-1980s, hosting influential programs on Sydney radio stations 2GB and 2UE and TV network Sky News.
Jones, who is known for his strong views, last sat behind the microphone in November last year when he presented his show on broadcast news channel ADH TV, which he joined after leaving Sky News in late 2021.
Before entering broadcasting, Jones worked as a teacher before moving into politics to work as a speechwriter and adviser to then Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser in the late 1970s and early 80s.
From 1984 to 1998, Jones was the head coach of the Australian men’s rugby team, leading the team to 86 wins in 102 games, including “slam” wins over England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland.
In a statement on Monday, police in the state of New South Wales said detectives from a dedicated child abuse team arrested an 83-year-old man in Sydney’s inner-city area of Circular Quay.
New South Wales police said the arrests followed the creation of a task force in March to investigate “indecent assaults and sexual assaults” between 2001 and 2019.
Police did not release the name of the arrested man.
NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb said at a press conference that their arrests followed a “very complex and lengthy” investigation.
Jones in December denied allegations of assault and inappropriate touching after the Sydney Morning Herald published an investigation detailing allegations she used her position to prey on young men.
In a statement at the time, Jones’ lawyer described the allegations as “disgraceful, deeply offensive and deeply insulting”.
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