Craig Thomson arrives at Melbourne Magistrates' Court this morning. Source: News Limited
EMBATTLED MP Craig Thomson has been heckled leaving Melbourne Magistrates' Court this morning.
Mr Thomson appeared in court to face charges of misusing union funds for porn and prostitutes.
Lawyers for Mr Thomson, whose wife Zoe was not in court, indicated they would make a summary jurisdiction application to have the matter heard in the Magistrates' Court. .
If the application is successful it means Mr Thomson would face a maximum of five years' imprisonment, the maximum sentence a Magistrate can impose.
The most serious charges being faced by Mr Thomson would carry a maximum penalty of 10 years' jail if the matter proceeded by way of a trial before a judge and jury in a higher court.
Mr Thomson is facing 173 charges over the alleged misuse of a Health Services Union credit card.
Thomson is facing 173 charges over alleged misuse of a Health Services Union credit card.
He allegedly used the card to pay for R-rated movies, make cash withdrawals and pay for escort services.
Adjourning the matter until July 19, Magistrate Charlie Rozencwajg asked prosecutors if there was a difference between Mr Thomson using his union credit card to hire pornographic movies and non-pornographic films.
He questioned why prosecutors had focused so heavily on the pornographic films.
Prosecutor Kieran Gilligan said there was no evidence Mr Thomson has used the card to hire films of a non-pornographic nature.
As he left court Mr Thomson was heckled by a man who shouted at him: "Hey Craig, where can I get a good Thai massage?"
Mr Thomson did not respond to the heckler and refused to answer questions from the media.
He said simply: "The matter is before the courts and we'll make our submissions there".
The Herald Sun has previously reported the case could include up to 25 volumes of material and more than 140 witnesses.
Documents filed with the court alleged Mr Thomson misused $42,800.
Mr Thomson has vowed to vigorously defend the allegations.
Victoria Police outlined allegations he spent more than $5000 on escort services while he was Health Services Union boss between 2002 and 2007.
Police have alleged that Mr Thomson made seven separate payments for escort services between 2003 and 2007, including $2475.00 to Keywed, which trades as Sydney Outcalls, $660 to A Touch of Class and $770 to Boardroom Escorts.
As part of his bail conditions Mt Thomson has been banned from contacting sex workers at a number of brothels including Boardroom Escorts, Tiffany's Girls and Young Blondes.
Mr Thomson, who resigned from the ALP earlier this year, is expected to stand as an independent for his current seat of Dobell in this year's federal election.
Mr Thomson, who is on bail, will reappear in court on July 19.
Shannon.deery@news.com.au
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