Investigative reporter Kate McClymont defended her conduct during cross-examination in the Downing Centre Local Court regarding her coverage of Alan Jones. She clarified that her reference to an "absolute nail in the coffin" concerned the factual verification of her journalism rather than Jones's guilt. The court also reviewed text exchanges with a complainant's mother and a police media officer where McClymont expressed anticipation over Jones's arrest. McClymont confirmed she stopped reporting on the case after providing a police statement and learning she would be a prosecution witness.
Key points
Defence barrister Gabrielle Bashir SC questioned the journalist extensively over text mes…: Defence barrister Gabrielle Bashir SC questioned the journalist extensively over text messages and audio recordings to challenge her objectivity.
McClymont ceased all journalistic coverage of the matter after providing a statement to p…: McClymont ceased all journalistic coverage of the matter after providing a statement to police in June 2024 to serve as a prosecution witness.
The trial before Judge Glenn Walsh continues to hear evidence regarding alleged assaults,…: The trial before Judge Glenn Walsh continues to hear evidence regarding alleged assaults, including an incident involving a schoolboy at Fitzroy Falls.
Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1
Investigative journalist Kate McClymont has told a Sydney court that an audio recording in which she said new information would be “an absolute nail in the coffin” did not refer to “killing” Alan Jones.
In a phone call with the mother of the youngest alleged victim of Jones, which was played in court, the Sydney Morning Herald’s chief investigative reporter expressed excitement when the woman said her son had spoken to police in the same year as the alleged assault.
“This would be an absolute nail in the coffin that police were involved,” McClymont said in the call. “That’s just brilliant. Oh, I’m breathless.”
Asked by defence barrister Gabrielle Bashir SC if she meant it was a nail in the coffin of her client, McClymont said no.
“You meant the nail in the coffin of Alan Jones,” Bashir suggested.
“No,” McClymont replied.
“It doesn’t mean killing Mr Jones,” she said. “It is the nail in the coffin for the story.”
The court heard last month that Jones allegedly put his tongue inside the mouth of the schoolboy, known as complainant…
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