Legal Aid refuses ex Kimberley College principal’s application

A former private school principal accused of involvement in defrauding the prestigious college says he is unable to afford a lawyer.

A former private school principal accused of involvement in defrauding the prestigious college says he is unable to afford a lawyer.

Ex-Kimberley College principal Paul Thomson is among several people facing charges over an ­alleged scheme that saw money siphoned from the school.

Thomson has been charged with four counts of fraud and one count each of extortion, false declarations and use restricted computer without consent.

Former Kimberley College principal Paul Thomson. (NCA NewWire/Dan Peled)

He faced Brisbane Magistrates Court this morning without a lawyer, which was questioned by Chief Magistrate Terry Gardiner.

“It’s a matter of not having the funds. I have applied three times to the Legal Aid and I have been rejected three times,” Thomson said.

Mr Gardiner asked if Thomson would seek out a private lawyer.

“I literally, honestly do not have the funds to do that,” Thomson said in response.

Thomson asked the court to vary a bail condition prohibiting him from contacting any of the college’s past students or teachers from the college.

The application had the consent of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

A variation was granted that will see him prohibited from contacting only students or teachers connected to the case.

The matter was adjourned to August 16.