Prosecutors have downgraded the charges against veteran broadcaster Alan Jones, reducing the most serious allegations and withdrawing several others. The 84-year-old now faces 27 charges related to nine complainants, down from 44 charges involving 11 complainants prior to a recent court hearing. The changes were described by the magistrate as a "reformation" of the case.

Previously, Jones was charged with 11 counts of aggravated indecent assault. However, those charges have been dropped as part of the legal adjustments. The allegations against him stem from incidents of alleged indecent assault and sexual touching that reportedly occurred between 2001 and 2019.

Jones has consistently denied all allegations. His lawyer formally entered not guilty pleas to the nine new charges filed this week. As a result of the changes, Jones will now face a hearing in a local court rather than a district court trial before a jury.

The next court date is set for November 11. The case has drawn significant attention due to Jones's prominent career in broadcasting, which began in 1985. He has been known for his controversial views and has had a significant impact on Australian media.

In November, Jones was arrested following an eight-month police investigation into the allegations. At his initial court appearance in December, he maintained that the claims against him are "all either baseless or they distort the truth."

His lawyer, Bryan Wrench, has raised concerns about the legality of the police raid that led to Jones's arrest. Wrench has also indicated that some evidence against Jones includes statements that are "blatantly contradictory" to the allegations made.

The allegations against Jones include claims of inappropriate touching and kissing of alleged victims, with the youngest being 17 at the time of the incidents. Jones has vowed to contest the charges as he prepares for the upcoming court proceedings.