Sydney broadcaster Alan Jones is defending a defamation case brought
Moderator
by Australian Olympic Committee president John Coates.
A hearing began today which will determine whether Mr Coates should be
paid compensation.
A NSW Supreme Court jury previously found Jones defamed Mr Coates with
allegations of bullying and a cover-up relating to the collapse of
Olympic rower Sally Robbins.
This related to three broadcasts on radio station 2GB in December 2004
while commenting on the women's eight rowing final at that year's
Athens Olympics.
Jones said leadership had been sadly lacking over the incident in
which Robbins, an Australian crew member, stopped rowing before the
finish line.
A hearing began today before Justice Michael Adams, who will determine
whether Mr Coates should be paid compensation.
Jones and Harbour Radio are defending the matter on the grounds of
comment and substantial truth.
But Bruce McClintock SC, for Mr Coates, told the court the
exceptionally serious allegations were made on an utterly non-existent
basis.
SMH