Peter FitzSimons gives evidence in Alan Jones trial

Author and journalist Peter FitzSimons has given evidence in the trial of prominent broadcaster Alan Jones, describing a young colleague of Mr Jones as appearing "deeply upset" when detailing allegations of indecent assault.

Mr Jones has pleaded not guilty to 22 counts of indecent assault and sexual touching relating to six men, including a younger colleague, Complainant C, who alleges the broadcaster kissed and touched him multiple times.

Peter FitzSimons, a former rugby union player-turned-journalist, told the NSW Local Court that he first met Mr Jones in 1982 when Mr Jones was coaching rugby. He described Mr Jones as a "brilliant rugby league coach".

In 2017, Mr FitzSimons wrote two articles for the Sydney Morning Herald about Mr Jones's coaching abilities, after which he received a "very strong email from a young man". However, it is not suggested that this young man was Complainant C.

The journalist was called to give evidence about a conversation he had with Complainant C in October 2019, a day after 2GB radio host Ray Hadley informed him that a younger colleague wanted to speak about his experience with Mr Jones.

Mr FitzSimons said Complainant C told him that Mr Jones would "scrape or hold his penis" while in the car together, and kissed him in the lift to his Circular Quay apartment.

"He was revolted"

Mr FitzSimons said Complainant C described Mr Jones as "the most important powerful person at 2GB" and was "drawn in" to Mr Jones's orbit.

"He couldn't quite believe that in the world that he was in … the number one person was noticing him,"

Mr FitzSimons said.

"He made clear … he was revolted by what had happened, but he was deeply upset at himself for not being stronger."

Mr FitzSimons said Complainant C told him he did not say no to Mr Jones at the time, but did push his hand away.

The journalist told the court he immediately passed his notes from the phone call onto his colleague, investigative reporter Kate McClymont, because it appeared "extremely important".

"It was not a story I could possibly pursue on my own,"

he said.

Under cross-examination, defence barrister Gabrielle Bashir SC questioned Mr FitzSimons about whether Mr Hadley "offered himself" as a source against Mr Jones as well as putting him in touch with Complainant C.

Ms Bashir put to him that Mr Hadley brought up the names of two other younger men in relation to Mr Jones, which Mr FitzSimons agreed with.

"[Ray Hadley] made allegations of sexual interaction with [one man] but I don't remember sexual allegations with [another man], but I remember his name coming up,"

he said.

The defence case is that Mr FitzSimons and Mr Hadley "colluded" by getting Complainant C to help "destroy" Mr Jones.

Ms Bashir put to Mr FitzSimons that he had a long standing and public dislike of Mr Jones, reading back to the journalist some critical quotes from his stories about Mr Jones.

"I am very proud of that quote,"

Mr FitzSimons replied, after being read a quote that Mr Jones was "a tumour on the body politic of this city, state and country and the sooner he is excised the better".

Mr FitzSimons said it was "absolutely correct" that he "violently disagreed with Mr Jones" on many things, and he agreed he accused the broadcaster of "bullying", "lies" and "agendas".

Under cross examination, Mr FitzSimons said several times he did not understand the defence's question, sometimes speaking across Ms Bashir as she questioned him about an inconsistency between his evidence and his police statement.

"I am under oath confused,"

Mr FitzSimons appealed to Judge Glenn Walsh.

The trial continues.