McClymont denies 'nail in the coffin' remark meant to end Alan Jones' life

Investigative journalist Kate McClymont stood before the Downing Centre local court to explain why she called a piece of new evidence an absolute nail in the coffin. She told the court the phrase did not signal a desire to see former 2GB broadcaster Alan Jones killed or defeated, but rather expressed her reaction to information that police had previously overlooked the allegations against him.

The court played an audio recording of a phone call between McClymont and the mother of the youngest alleged victim. In the clip, the journalist expressed excitement after learning the boy 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 is just brilliant. Oh, I am breathless.

Defence barrister Gabrielle Bashir SC pressed the reporter on the metaphor. Bashir suggested McClymont meant the nail was in the coffin of her client. McClymont replied no. It does not mean killing Mr Jones, she said. It is the nail in the coffin for the story.

McClymont explained that the phrase referred to new information gleaned from complainant A's mother. After publishing her investigation in December 2023, police had told her they received no complaints about Alan Jones and had not looked at him. However, speaking with the mother revealed that her son did speak to police, which was a significant event for the story. The court heard McClymont was later put in contact with the detective who had spoken to the then teenager in his school's principal's office.

The court also examined texts McClymont sent to A's mother. She agreed she told the mother that the NSW police minister's office and the police sex crimes unit said her son would not be identified if the case were re-opened because he was under 18. She also admitted to sending messages that included the text 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, accompanied by two poo emojis. When asked about the tone, McClymont replied probably.

McClymont also agreed she texted a contact from the police media team Can hardly wait! in reference to the impending arrest of Jones. On the day of his arrest at his Circular Quay apartment, she texted the contact the word beauty when the arrest was confirmed.

The trial continues before judge Glenn Walsh. Jones has pleaded not guilty to 21 counts of sexual touching and indecent assault. He is alleged to have put his tongue in the mouth of complainant A and touched him on the bottom during an overnight stay at his Fitzroy Falls farm. A is one of five men who allege Jones indecently assaulted or sexually touched them between 2003 and 2020. McClymont will return to court on Thursday for a third day of testimony.