Concern raised in court about Kate McClymont’s role as reporter after she is named witness in case

Alan Jones was charged in November after an eight-month investigation by NSW police investigating a number of alleged indecent assaults and sexual touching incidents between 2001 and 2019. He denies the allegations and says he will plead not guilty. Photograph: Roni Bintang/Getty Images

Alan Jones’s lawyer has told the court he is concerned about an “anti-Jones crusade” arising from Sydney Morning Herald journalist Kate McClymont’s dual role as a reporter of his client’s case and as a witness.

Jones has been charged with 35 historical sexual assault offences allegedly committed in various places in New South Wales, including Newtown, Sydney city, Fitzroy Falls, Alexandria and Tamworth.