Reporter says 'nail in the coffin' comment was about the story, not the man

A recording played in court captured the moment investigative journalist Kate McClymont described fresh information as a "nail in the coffin." During cross-examination at the Sydney trial of former 2GB host Alan Jones, McClymont rejected the defense argument that the phrase targeted Jones personally.

The call, recorded between McClymont and the mother of complainant A, Jones's youngest alleged victim, showed the reporter expressing excitement. The mother revealed that her son had spoken with police during the year of the alleged assault. Defense lawyer Gabrielle Bashir SC argued that the remark signaled McClymont's belief that the case was effectively over for Jones. McClymont stated she was referring to the strength of the new evidence, not the man himself, and clarified that she was not discussing killing him.

McClymont explained that police had told her in December 2023, after her initial investigation was published, that they had received no complaints against Jones and had not investigated him. The mother's confirmation that her son had previously been interviewed by police therefore changed the status of the case. The court heard that McClymont later connected with the detective who had spoken to the teenager in his school principal's office.

Bashir also questioned the reporter about messages sent to the complainant's mother. One message stated that the NSW police minister's office and the sex crimes unit had indicated the boy would remain unidentified if the case reopened due to his age. Other exchanges included a message expressing hope that Jones would face consequences, accompanied by two poo emojis. McClymont acknowledged sending an enthusiastic text to a police media contact when Jones's arrest was expected.

On the day police arrested Jones at his Circular Quay apartment, McClymont contacted the media officer to verify details. She responded positively once the arrest was confirmed. Jones has denied all 21 charges of sexual touching and indecent assault, which relate to five men who allege abuse between 2003 and 2020. Last month, complainant A testified that Jones put his tongue in his mouth and touched his bottom during an overnight stay at the broadcaster's Fitzroy Falls farm.

McClymont testified that she gave a statement to police in June 2024 but continued covering the story because she did not expect to be a witness. She stopped reporting after learning she would be called to testify. Her third day of testimony is scheduled for Thursday before Judge Glenn Walsh at the Downing Centre local court.