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Today Craig Thomson once again found himself in court with his wife Zoe by his side in support. This time around however he had a little more time to prepare, and to organise counsel.
In a short appearance, Thomson was granted bail on the 154 charges before him.
The last time Thomson saw the inside of a courtroom was way back last week, Thursday in fact. This was the day that Victoria Police rocked up to Thomson’s office with a posse of NSW detectives, on the premise of a dodgy warrant, to lay fraud charges for purchasing an ice cream and the like.
Craig Thomson and his wife Zoe
Thomson asked the question yesterday, probably not really expecting an answer, if he was the only person in Australia to have a charge of fraud brought against them for less than $20. It’s an interesting question, as each charge has its own paperwork, and requires its own mention in court, it does seem to be rather daft to lay such petty charges at the taxpayers expense. If the Victorian Police are looking for a more intelligent investment of time and money, then I’d suggest going into a pyramid scheme with the Nigerian Royal Family.
Victorian Police have the slogan “The Way Ahead”. Well, if spending thousands of dollars, countless police hours, and using up court time to charge someone for buying a $12 ice cream is “The Way Ahead”, then I’ve clearly been facing the wrong direction all my life. To me this would only be the way ahead if your head was sticking out of your arse. Even Joe Hockey could figure out that this is a glowing example of dud math.
Speaking of math, most people are not aware that each alleged offence in this case is actually two charges. The doubled number is reported so it looks worse for the defendent, it looks like things are twice as bad as they are. The second charge is laid for the authorisation of the alleged purchase, for example buying an ice cream is a charge, signing the credit card slip authorising payment for the ice cream is another.
At Craig’s brief appearance in Wyong Court on Thursday after his strip search which was first reported here, the magistrate handed down the conditions of bail. One of those conditions that you may have heard about is that Thomson not make contact with any sex workers that he is alleged to have seen in the past. This received quite a bit of commentary when it became known.
However, there are two things you may not have realised about that bail condition. One is that the bail conditions were determined by Victoria Police, not the magistrate. The other is that the magistrate, that’s right the judge, actually made comment that she believed that this bail condition was highly inappropriate.
Funny, I don’t recall seeing that reported anywhere else at all. Why not?
The Victorian Police, the same ones who lied regarding the non-existent December warrant, and the same clever crew spending thousands upon thousands of dollars to charge a guy for spending 12, actually set the bail conditions. That third condition was certainly designed for the press, absolutely designed to portray guilt, and so inappropriate in the extreme that a judge felt the need to comment on the record.
With standards like this the Victorian Police seem slightly less reliable than a pitchfork damaged water-bed. I’m somewhat surprised that they didn’t make not invading Poland a condition of bail, they may as well have.
With Police setting bail conditions to intentionally portray guilt, and such a high-profile case having such dodgy warrant procedure, I think that an investigation into police conduct regarding this case is required.
The ridiculous bail condition was ammended by the prosectution today so as not to imply guilt, and so that Thomson could be made aware of whom he was not supposed to talk to. As Thomson denies using the brothels, it would be hard to determine who he had apparently slept with in the imagination of others.
There has also been a lot of talk of Christopher Pyne and David Bradbury’s appearance on Lateline on Friday night, and the comparisons between the Craig Thomson case and the Mary Jo Fischer case.
Oops, I forgot about Mary Jo and her sticky fingers…
Christopher Pyne said that it was unfair and inappropriate to compare the two cases and if anyone is an expert on the inappropriate, it’s Pyne.
I’m afraid that on this one it seems, I am going to have to agree with Pyne. But before your jaw drops so far that you wish you were wearing steel caps, let me explain why.
- Thomson was not charged with a violent crime, Fischer was charged with assault
- Since the story became public, Thomson has had no allegations of other alleged crimes, Mary Jo Fischer re-offended
- Allegations against Thomson were prior to his being an MP, Fischer’s were while she was representing the Liberal party in the Senate.
- Craig Thomson has not been found guilty of anything, Mary Jo Fischer has been found guilty in a court of law.
- Craig Thomson has been suspended from the Labor party pending the outcome, Mary Jo Fischer, despite the guilty outcome is still a member of the Liberal Party, in Pynes state even.
Unfair comparison indeed.
Another thing that I find odd, is that Thomson is now an Independent, however according to the Coalition his previous Labor Party membership, and being elected as a Labor member means that any controversy around him reflects on the ALP.
Logic would therefore mean that Peter Slipper is reflective of Liberal values. He was preselected many, many, many times as a Liberal member. Far more times than Thomson. He was Deputy Speaker as a Liberal Member. It seems the Liberal Party didn’t like him only once he was promoted to Speaker.
In fact the differences between Mary Jo Fischer and Thomson and Slipper could not be greater. Fischer was allowed to resign from the Senate with dignity, Labor members shaking her hand, wishing her the best, and paying their respects.
Compare that with the relentless onslaught of accusations and character assassination aimed at Thomson and Slipper for the better part of two years by the opposition, led by cheerleaders Abbott and Pyne. The choreography of their staged managed “Thomson, The Musical” production with police, Premiers, and State Ministers dancing to their tune rivals the choreography of a Britney Spears concert. With dancing talents like those below, it’s easy to see a career path ahead for Abbott.
Actually, upon a second look, it looks like Abbott has spent more time on dancing lessons than he has on making policies.
Lots more time.
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I understand that the police were unable to provide a witness list today, nor were they able to provide a brief. Apparently that will arrive in April. So they have been working on this for ages, can lay 154 charges and are unable to provide a brief until April? This has to be some kind of a joke!
Why do I get the feeling that this whole matter is being dragged out for as long as possible to delay a judicial finding of guilt/innocence. And who might gain from such a delay? Certainly not Labor. So it must be Phoney Tony and the NO Coalition. Hmmmm?
You have said it all Wixxy. Thank God we have you and the team at IA. The MSM are denying us the truth.
If the Victorian police would actively work as a tool for the benefit of the liberal party then I am afraid that we are descending down the path to a police state. If they are prepared to fit up Thomson this way what chance do the unknown plebs have?
Isn’t there footage somewhere of George Brandis boasting to Waleed Ali that it was he, Brandis, who initiated the complaint that led to Thompson’s, whoops, Thomson’s arrest?
Listening to Thomson yesterday I am wondering if he is going to be bled dry financially as a result of these proceedings. The ALP has given him the flick and I doubt the HSU will come to his aid. Perhaps a Thomson Defence Fund needs to be set up. I would certainly contribute.
Yesterday Aunty finally got around to remembering that KMPG found the FWA report to be completely dodgy.
So why are state cops acting on a dodgy report and why doesn’t Thomson or someone simply read out the reasoning FWA had behind the claims.
LIke “there were no set rules for travel, he broke the rules”.
One instance stated that “Thomson was not in the executive that set the rules, he should have upheld those non-existent rules.”
Kathy Jackson granted herself an annual payrise of $140.000 – and why are the cops now claiming air fares, that is what the card was for.
How many execs. are expected to pay their own way for corporate business.
And how come not one dumb journalist has asked if he was such a spendthrift, why is he so damn honest as a pollie?
I bought matters to court as a Child Proyection worker. One was expected to have within a matter of a couple of days, have the brief prepared for mention, This had a very little time limit on on it.
It had to be lodged 24 hours before.
Do not understand how the Victorian police can now sit on this information unto mention day, the 25 May. That is three months away.
One gets the impression, is all they have, is the list forwarded to them by FWA.
Marilyn- I would expect a FORMER employee to pay his own way and not use his FORMER employers credit card to pay for air travel after he had ceased employment when elected to Parliament.
pgc69- Please do set up a Craig Thomson Defence Fund, and give Thomson a credit Card linked to the fund’s bank account. He can pay for his apparent addiction to pornos with your money.
There is no claim at all that Thomson has used anything belonging to HSU or has access to their money since leaving
The ones alleged to have done that are Rob Elliott and Jeff Jackson
When Craig is found is not guilty AGAIN.
Well charges be laid against HSU, FWA, Kathy Jackson, Tony Abbott and The NSW and Victoria Police themselves for lodging a false Police report, for wasting Police time and Slander?
Excuse my legal ignorance, but would you mind explaining exactly what sort of court Thomson will be facing? Will this be a judge only trial?
What are the chances of the matter being heard before the election?
It will be a trial, judge only I assume, and it is due to be heard in May
Hopefully police will find a witness they feel is capable of giving evidence by then….
This has to stop! we need an inquirey into the vic/nsw police and the corruption in the LNP,and FAST!! Good on you Peter!!
I would be surprised if it was even heard this year. It is three and half months to the mention date. There does not appear to be a case prepared at this stage.
Unless it is lodged long before May25th.. I assume it will be adjourned for a further similar period.
The accused has to have time to address anything the police lodges.
Fraud cases in themselves take much longer. I assume the FWA matter will now be adjourned indefinitely.
It would not surpised me, that this is what the Opposition wants. Cannot afford to have a nother matter thrown out of court. Needs to be there for the elections.
Wixxy, they said for mention.
There needs to be a brief of the evidence and witness list at least, before it can proceed.
As I am no lawyer, I could be wrong. Is there any lawyers out there to explain the procedure.
I assume we are not going to see MSM fulfill this role, as I believe they should.
MPI continuing on the amount of government spending.
Hear hear
That is certainly the Noalitions aim (to bankrupt him, also Slipper)
Can Vic police advise why charges have not been laid against others e.g the Jacksons
hoodoo, you not only have your facts completely wrong. You condemn him before he is tried. No Judges or juries needed when you are around.
Pyne has already brought up the “bankrupt” conditions. He can’t be a member of the Parliament if he is Bankrupt. they couldn’t care If he did himself in. As long as they get the result they want.
Tie the Vic police in with the crocon excess presence too.. Bailleau’s mate Grollo.being in on a plot to make the union look crook. I trust not anyone in the LNP side of politics now. I’ve seen enough and although I am on a pension. I would kick infor Craig. The stitch-up has ALLthe essential ingredients . same old tried recipe. They are too unimaginative to even vary it slightly.
Sorry, put that on the wrong site.
To take myself to tinfoil hat land as this case seems to make one want to do. If the cops are wanting to bolster their case and find/make a decent sex worker witness, would the perve that the cops got of Craig’s privates during the search b useful?
Libs want Craig Thomson to go Bankrupt so he can’t be an MP,
therefore the Labor Party would have one less vote.
Thanks Peter, you give me hope.
I would donate to a Fund for Craig Thomson.
My understanding is that there were no guidelines for usage of Credit Cards.
Certainly, filling up a hire car has been a requirement for one of my previous jobs (occasionally had to travel using a hire car), as hire car companies will charge you extra if you return the car without having filled it up.
There is no doubt in my mind that IF Craig Thomson has misused his credit card, then he should be punished appropriately.
But if there were no guidelines, it’s going to be hard for the Police to prove anything.
Oh for heaven’s sake Christopher Pyne, go away – there is no claim that Thomson did any of those things.
Bob Carr claimed $120,000 travel for his wife in 6 months, last time I looked she is not an MP.
Jackson’s own pay rise was more than Thomson is claimed to have charged.
Why is she not being charged with anything when it is clear she was behaving criminally with many of her dodgy deals.
And why is Thomson’s corporate card any different from anyone elses? What is the point of a corporate credit card if one cannot use it.
I am with you about setting up a fund for Craig Thomson’s defence. And thank you once again to give us a truthful story about this whole scary affair. I am speechless about this happening and that of course is no good. We need to speak out against such injustice.
We can all sit here and rage against this obvious injustice till the cows come home,what is needed is people on the streets holding placards in a vocal but peaceful protest,make the MSM take notice,the tv stations will have no choice but to pick it up and show it on the evening news,take a leaf out of Abbotts and Ginas book,make them take notice,hold up signs demanding that journalist do their job instead of pandering to corporate interest,make a bloody noise,be seen. be heard,annoy people,get in their face,. The opposition and msms wheel is well oiled and it still gets heard loud and clear,so imagine our wheel was not well oiled,hell, it would make a noise that ‘d be heard from Darwin to Hobart. Writing letters of outrage to ourselves is not going to cut through.
Not a bad idea at all…
Thank you Wixxy for replying to Hoodoo. His comment made my blood boil but i can calm down now. youir response is much politer than i would have given. This Hoodoo – sound like voodoo to me – does not seem to have any evidence of his claim, which just goes to show his ignorance.
Thanks Hilde.
I think sometimes people feed off our anger…
I would too , a good QC would get this rubbish thrown out of court …..
Captain51, Jeff Jacksons union credit card is almost a duplicate of CT’s (Escort agencies, Fine dining , personal purchases) Why has he not also been charged yet, very strange
Wixxy – Like I wrote before – I’m not saying this is true but It would not suprize me if the Police prob have a postitute in the wings – Earlier meeting – do you remember this man—EERRRMMMM nup – after strip search – Do you remmeber this man now – ERRRMMM yep..I can see it coming and i would not put it past them. Like I wrote – look what happened to Nixon, Overland – Please investigate Ryan – the links are there, we just have to find them.
Well done again Peter. As we keep saying on these sites the MSM is continually denying the public the truth. Thank you.
If I lived in Melbourne I would be inclined to join a peaceful protest with appropriate signs. But it would need to be well organised and have enough people attending for anyone to take notice. The MSM would not even bother covering it.
Thanks for a great article.
A real eye opener.
I also, would willingly contribute to a support fund
Agree with John O’callagan
all the while the MSM avoid the issue,injustice will continue.
People need to be honestly informed.
Just say the word
is his next court apperance the day before the federsl budget??. keep up the good work,
I don’t know if the Victorian Police force might have reformed in recent years, (though this case seems to suggest not), but there is a long history of corruption documented by Raymond Hoser, in the books ‘Victoria Police Corruption’ (1 & 2). If you Google it you will find it.
The way this whole case has been handled is a disgrace. I really hope I’m wrong, but can’t help feeling that with the poisonous media coverage of this, plus also with the dreadful corruption of the Obeids being exposed by the ICAC hearings at present in NSW, that enough people who only ever read or see the Murdoch version of events, will likely put the Coalition into government at the next election. If so, what a hideous incentive it will be to repeat such disgusting & deceitful conspiracies & character assassinations, to knock out opponents. I hope this doesn’t happen, but I’m scared that it might.
IF you think this isn’t orchestrated , Think again. It’s too neat to be “just” happening. We are all being had.
So Marilyn – if one Union official rips off the membership it is okay for another one to do it – provided they rip off the membership for less. Anyone who rips off the membership is a DOG – no exceptions!
Like you Wixxy I believe CT is innocent. If he is found guilty on these charges what then?
Thought you might like to read how our great anti-sexism leaders feel about other women and kids – most of the people on Manus are from Sri Lanka, think about that while you try and eat your next fucking dinner in peace.
Hi there,
Red cross arived on manus today.
It was around 1p.m that Salvation army received a fax from Canberra. It was written that tsunami may is coming to manus around 4p.m and you should evacuate the center as soon as possible.
All people were scared. the staffs only took their passports and cellphones. All the families were stressful and scarred. they took some clothe and left by bus. Some of the families went by walk to the topest place. Some of the SAMS didn’t left the camp. Most of them were Iranian. Poul moulds stayed with SAMS in detention center.
Some people were crying and kids terrified. They all thought that’s the end of their life. There were PNG police around people. They were waiting for Tsunami.
At 3:30 they said that everything is fine and nothing will happen and we are safe! All people went back to detention by walk.
Who is responsible for asylum seekers on manus? What would have happened if tsunami came? 34 kids may died!
Thanks,
Asylum seekers on manus island
Having known relatives of Angela Taylor (Victorian Police Constable who died after injuries sustained in the Russell Street Bombing), I can say she’d be spinning in her grave at the thought of Victorian Police being involved in such gutter tactics. This is a political witch-hunt, just like Slipper and if this mongrel Abbott succeeds in getting anything out of this it should be prison for perverting the course of justice.
The dumb media are reporting Thomson lived the high life by watching 4 movies a year.
That’s because yesterday was a Filing Hearing. Witness lists are never produced then. Directions are made for exchange of material.
The courts are clogged up (always are) and Thomson shouldn’t expect any special treatment from the court to expedite matters for him.
As to dragging this out for as long as possible, Thomson can always elect to proceed straight to trial without a committal, that will speed things along a lot. Only he can elect to do that as the accused. Doubt he will though, all talk is my guess.
Maybe they aren’t doing that? Maybe some people are quick to jump to conclusions?
Child Protection orders are done on an urgent basis, for obvious reasons, the safety of the child. That would have also been done in the Federal jurisdiction – different courts.
Regular criminal matters have to go through the system like any other matter. On any given day at your local area court there are up to a hundred matters heard at various stages.
The system is clogged.
It’s heading to committal for trial, so it is either the District Court or the Supreme Court, depending upon the specific charges.
What Wixxy is talking about is the committal, which is not a trial. He is incorrect about that.
A committal is where a matter is where a magistrate determines if there is enough evidence for the matter to proceed to trial (probably will be). No juries at commitals.
Now presuming that the matter is not dismissed at committal (no one in the legal profession I have talked to believe it will be dismissed) an indictment will be presented, within 6 months after that but usually 4-6 weeks, and preparations will be made to go to trial.
Trial will be before a jury, unless an application is made to have it before a single judge. It would be unwise for Thomson to choose a single judge for this matter, he is much better with a jury of 12, where he only needs 1 to say not guilty.
See my post above Catching up – courts are clogged. This isn’t going to be fast tracked unless Thomson elects to bypass the committal process and agree that there is a prima facie case against him to warrant going straight to trial.
Given his comments, I expect he will be fighting at committal. I expect him to lose there, as in the matter will be referred up to a superior court for trial.
I wish I had time to watch 4 movies are year… that would be the high life for me! lol