A prominent Australian athlete testified in a Sydney court that broadcaster Alan Jones sent him repeated "I love you" messages before allegedly kissing him without consent at a sporting event and, years later, kissing him and pressing his genitals against him at his Circular Quay apartment. The athlete said he felt unable to rebuff Jones's advances because of the broadcaster's reputation and influence, telling the court "he could destroy people." Jones, 85, denies the allegations, which form part of a much larger case against him.

The court heard text messages in which Jones told the athlete "I love you. I hope you can feel my kisses, darling" and "I want to kiss you for hours," to which the athlete replied using terms like "mate" in an effort to keep the relationship platonic. Jones faces 22 charges of indecent assault and sexual touching without consent involving six complainants, spanning from 2003 until the end of his radio career, and has pleaded not guilty to all counts. His barrister has argued the case is driven by rivalry, treachery, money and opportunism, and the athlete is due to continue giving evidence on Tuesday.