Michelle Bridges testifies in Sydney court at AVO hearing against young paparazzo Liam Mendes

CELEBRITY fitness trainer Michelle Bridges gave evidence in a Sydney court today during a hearing into an AVO she has taken out against a paparazzo.

Television personality and fitness trainer Michelle Bridges arrives to the Downing Centre Court in Sydney. Picture: David Moir/AAP

CELEBRITY fitness trainer Michelle Bridges gave evidence in a Sydney court today hearing into an apprehended violence order she has taken out against a young paparazzo.

Sitting stiffly in the witness box, Bridges rolled her eyes towards her supporters in the public gallery as she was questioned by a barrister for 21-year-old Liam Mendes, who is fighting the interim AVO against him.

The Biggest Loser star was questioned at length about the link between her celebrity status and her profits, and the need for media attention to maintain her commercial interests.

Picture: Chris Murphy

Mendes is fighting the AVO Bridges took out against him after he filmed her inside a restaurant and a supermarket on two separate occasions in April.

The court saw CCTV footage on Wednesday showing Mendes inside a Potts Point restaurant, where Bridges was having dinner with her partner Steve “Commando” Willis, their baby and his two children from a previous relationship.

A second video was taken by Willis on his phone as the couple were telling Mendes and other paparazzi to leave them alone.

“I’m not going to smile for you for because you’re rude,” Willis is heard saying.

“And you photograph my children without my consent.

“You are a bunch of scumbags.”

Picture: David Moir/AAP

A third series of CCTV clips were of Mendes following Bridges into Potts Point Woolworths.

Bridges entered the witness box dressed all in black.

Ian Temby QC handed her a February issue of the Australian Women’s Weekly magazine with her photo on the front cover and asked if the story in it had a tone that benefited her public image.

“The effect of it was, Michelle Bridges has had a child, is a celebrity ... oh happy day,” Mr Temby said.

“It was a story,” Bridges replied, looking confused.

“You are anxious are you not to maintain a public profile,” Mr Temby asked.

Pap photographer Liam Mendes entering Downing centre court today. Picture: Chris Murphy

“I do not know if anxious is the correct wordage,” Bridges replied. “You have in the past endorsed various products?”

“That is part of my work.

“And that is work that you choose to do?

“It is my career.”

“Why are you jibbing at my question?”

Ms Bridges agreed she had not had any contact with Mendes outside two occasions on April 16 and 22.

Bridges arrived early at the Downing Centre on Wednesday morning, a little too early it seemed, as the doors failed to open, ironically allowing waiting photographers extra time to take her photo.

Bridges is expected to continue giving evidence on Wednesday afternoon.