Tue 3 Nov 2026 at 12:28pmTue 3 Nov 2026 at 12:28pm

Conversation with complainant examined

McClymont is now being asked about a phone conversation she had with Complainant C in September 2023.

The court heard the complainant, who was a former colleague of Jones, revealed his identity to McClymont and detailed allegations against the broadcaster on that occasion.

They later met face to face, with the court hearing Complainant C gave McClymont consent to take notes and record their conversation.

They spoke for over an hour, the court heard.

Tue 3 Nov 2026 at 12:04pmTue 3 Nov 2026 at 12:04pm

Court resumes

Proceedings are back underway and McClymont has returned to the courtroom.

Tue 3 Nov 2026 at 11:42amTue 3 Nov 2026 at 11:42am

McClymont warned not to speak to media

The court has broken for morning tea.

Judge Glenn Walsh warns McClymont she “may be approached” by her journalist peers in the break and reminds her not to speak with anyone about her evidence.

He tells her there was an “unfortunate” incident involving Hadley earlier in the trial, and McClymont promises not to speak to anyone.

Witnesses are all advised not to speak to media while they are under oath.

Judge Walsh has previously expressed disdain after seeing footage of reporters approaching Hadley on his way into court during his evidence.

Court will resume at midday.

Tue 3 Nov 2026 at 10:59amTue 3 Nov 2026 at 10:59am

Courtroom scenes

Jones is sitting in the same chair he has sat in for most of the previous 54 days of this trial, taking notes.

He has a small notebook and is regularly given a copy of the exhibits being discussed so that he can follow along.

He is flanked by his legal team, who he often speaks to quietly during proceedings.

McClymont was sent out of the room for about five minutes while there was some legal argument, but the issue has been resolved and she has returned.

Tue 3 Nov 2026 at 10:42amTue 3 Nov 2026 at 10:42am

‘Not my area of expertise’

McClymont is being asked about the impact her reporting about Jones had on the SMH’s subscriber numbers and advertising revenue.

“That is not my area of expertise,” she said.

Bashir also put to McClymont that Jones was a “divisive figure”.

“If you say so,” McClymont replied.

“He’s cast as conservative leaning?” Bashir asked.

“By some people, yes,” McClymont responded.

Tue 3 Nov 2026 at 10:33amTue 3 Nov 2026 at 10:33am

Evidence in chief finishes

McClymont has now finished her evidence in chief.

Jones’s barrister Gabrielle Bashir SC has started her cross-examination of the reporter.

The editor of the SMH Jordan Baker and deputy editor Nick Ralston are in court to support McClymont.

Tue 3 Nov 2026 at 10:19amTue 3 Nov 2026 at 10:19am

Correspondence given to police

McClymont says she sought further comment from Jones and his legal team before the publication of several other stories, which outlined allegations made by a number of complainants in the current proceedings.

She did not send Jones draft copies of the articles prior to publication, the court heard.

She remembers an occasion when she received a reply directly from Jones via text.

The reporter said she provided all correspondence with Jones and his legal team to the police in a statement she made on August 30, 2024.

Tue 3 Nov 2026 at 10:03amTue 3 Nov 2026 at 10:03am

McClymont to give evidence soon

Welcome to live coverage of investigative journalist Kate McClymont’s evidence in court today.

The author and award-winning reporter is giving evidence about her coverage of allegations against the defendant in the Sydney Morning Herald.