‘This bloke needs to be destroyed’: Hadley’s explosive texts about Jones revealed

Former radio broadcaster Ray Hadley told the criminal trial of Alan Jones that he signed a secret deal to take over Jones' breakfast radio slot, doubling his salary to $4 million. Giving evidence in Downing Centre Local Court, Hadley was cross-examined about explosive text messages he sent to an alleged victim regarding his former long-time 2GB colleague.^[1][2]

Jones, 85, is standing trial on 20 counts of indecent assault and two counts of sexual touching without consent spanning six male complainants from 2003 to 2020. Jones denies that any of the alleged physical acts took place. Hadley testified that one accuser, referred to as complainant "C", told him in October 2019 that Jones had kissed him and touched him inappropriately on several occasions years prior.^[1][2]

Under cross-examination by Jones' barrister, Gabrielle Bashir, SC, Hadley agreed he messaged "C" in October 2019 stating, "This bloke needs to be destroyed." The court heard Hadley also texted "C" prior to a 2023 Sydney Morning Herald article, declaring that Jones would be in the "foetal position" upon reading the report and vowing to tear Jones' supporters apart.^[1][2]

Hadley acknowledged referring in a subsequent message to former 2GB host Jason Morrison as a "f---ing dog." Morrison has testified in the trial, vehemently denying that he witnessed Jones touch "C" over his clothing at a Sydney lunch almost 20 years ago. The court also heard that while Hadley had not produced his text exchanges with "C" after being subpoenaed, "C" had provided the material.^[1][2]