By Ahmed Abdelsalam
Sydney Morning Herald investigative journalist Kate McClymont appeared in a Sydney court on Wednesday, testifying about her communications with the mother of an alleged victim in the sexual assault trial of former broadcaster Alan Jones.
Phone call and 'nail in the coffin' comment
The court heard an audio recording of a phone call between McClymont and the mother of the youngest alleged victim, known as complainant A. In the call, McClymont said new information would be "an absolute nail in the coffin" after learning the teenager had spoken to police in the same year as the alleged assault. Defence barrister Gabrielle Bashir SC suggested the phrase referred to "killing" Jones, but McClymont denied that, saying it meant the nail in the coffin for the story.
Text messages and police contact
McClymont acknowledged sending texts to the mother stating "All I wanted to say is Alan Jones is the subject of a police investigation!!!!" and "I hope the shit does hit the fan for him" with poo emojis. She also texted a police media contact "Can hardly wait!" regarding Jones's impending arrest, and wrote "beauty" when the arrest was confirmed.
Journalist's role and witness status
McClymont told the court she provided a statement to police in June 2024 and continued reporting because she had received no indication she would be a prosecution witness. She stopped reporting on the case when informed she would be called as a witness. The trial before Judge Glenn Walsh at the Downing Centre Local Court continues, with McClymont expected to return for a third day of testimony.
