Tim McCurdy has faced court for the first time over fraud charges, allegedly committed before he was elected as Ovens Valley MP.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Dressed in a blue suit, McCurdy sat behind his lawyer at Shepparton Magistrates Court yesterday during a brief filing hearing, but was not required to say anything.
Police allege he forged documents to secure sales commissions worth about $375,000 while working as a real estate agent in 2009.
McCurdy has denied the allegations.
If he is to defend the charges, the case will have to go to trial in the County Court, but only after a series of preliminary hearings in the Magistrates Court.
It is unlikely the court process will be completed before November’s Victorian election.
The case was adjourned for a committal mention on July 17.
Speaking to media outside court, McCurdy said he understood he had to go through the “due process” of court to clear his name.
“When you’re in the public spotlight, these are the things you’ve got to be prepared for,” he said.
“It’s not ideal to have a situation like this, but when you know the facts the concerns aren’t there for me.
“It’s about doing what I do best and that’s representing the people of the Ovens Valley.”
The MP said it would not be appropriate to discuss details of the case at this stage of proceedings, but will continue to appear in court during the process.
“I’ll do what’s required,” McCurdy said.