Prosecutors have downgraded some of the most serious sex abuse charges against veteran broadcaster and former Wallabies coach Alan Jones after a court hearing on Thursday.
Mr. Jones now faces 27 charges which allege that he indecently assaulted or groped nine men over two decades.
Eleven charges of aggravated indecent assault - deemed more serious as they allegedly related to people under his authority - were downgraded on Thursday. Some charges were also dropped altogether.
The influential 84-year-old media figure has denied all charges and the case - which will now be heard before a magistrate, not a jury - will return to court next month.
Deputy Chief Magistrate Sharon Freund noted a reformation of the case after two alleged victims withdrew, although no explanation was provided as to why these parties were no longer involved.
His lawyer, Bryan Wrench, called the dropped charges a very big development and a significant concession, emphasizing that there was no evidence he had authority over the complainants. Police had indicated some victims knew Jones personally, and at least one had been employed by him.
Jones has described the allegations as either baseless or distortions of the truth. The former teacher coached Australia's national rugby team between 1984 and 1988 before transitioning to a successful radio career.
A longtime figure in Sydney media, Jones has been a polarizing presence, drawing substantial audiences while also frequently courting controversy.
He made headlines for past statements, including some directed at political figures that stirred public backlash, and has faced legal challenges regarding defamation claims.
