In a Sydney courtroom drama that could give soap operas a run for their money, a former student sports star has vehemently denied fabricating indecent assault allegations against broadcaster Alan Jones, despite what the defense suggests was a rather convenient financial motive.

The complainant, identified only as J, found himself in the hot seat on Wednesday as Jones's barrister, Gabrielle Bashir SC, grilled him over why he waited two decades to report the alleged incidents. The former police officer, now in his 40s, had earlier testified that Jones touched him sexually when he was a teenager, all while J was receiving financial support from the broadcaster.

J's testimony earlier this week painted a picture of a lavish benefactor: Jones gifted him a Nokia mobile phone, a Nissan car, and a weekly stipend that ballooned from $350 to $600 over nine years. But Bashir suggested these weren't gifts from a generous mentor - they were ammunition for a lawsuit.

"Your evidence in relation to payments into your account from Belford [company] and the increase in payments has been you trying to assert Jones had an ulterior motive for making payments to you?" Bashir asked.

J's response? A flat "No, I wasn't trying to assert that."

The cross-examination was initially kept under wraps due to a non-publication order, but Judge Glenn Walsh lifted it on Thursday afternoon, probably because the courtroom needed more popcorn.

Jones faces 22 indecent assault and sexual touching charges, to which he has pleaded not guilty. The court also heard that J resigned from the police force after an assault conviction and breach of conduct, losing his $120,000-a-year income. He had to pay child support, rent, and move in with a relative - but denied having a gambling problem.

Bashir didn't mince words: "A complaint like this, if successful, is a stepping stone to civil proceedings. I will be putting that to him." She suggested J saw Jones's arrest in November 2024 as a "life-changing opportunity" to recast himself after losing his job.

But J insisted he wasn't after money: "I've been clear on this. I don't want anything from this. I won't accept [money]. I don't want anything but proper justice."

Bashir also poked holes in J's timeline, noting he initially told police Jones gave him a phone at 14 or 15 when he was actually 18, and similarly fumbled the car's timing. J conceded, saying, "At the time I provided the details, I thought that was accurate."

As for the stipend increases - Bashir suggested they were tied to J's athletic success, not some sinister "good boy" reward. J admitted the payments were for training and competition expenses but couldn't say why they increased.

Jones has denied all wrongdoing, claiming the allegations are baseless or distorted. His barrister also argued that media rivals egged on the alleged victims, because nothing says credibility like a good old-fashioned media conspiracy.

The drama continues, because apparently, the only thing more entertaining than a court case is a court case with a side of celebrity scandal.