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Independent MP Taito Phillip Field says he has confidence in the judicial system as he awaits a ruling which will lead to determining whether he will be charged over bribery and corruption allegations.
Mr Field appeared in the High Court in Auckland today, sitting in the public gallery alongside his wife and daughter, as the court heard a rare application to appeal for leave to file 15 charges against the MP.
Mr Field was not required to be at court and was not called to give evidence.
As he arrived at court Mr Field told a large media contingent that he decided to attend the hearing because he had "nothing to hide".
Police have been investigating allegations Mr Field gave immigration help to Asian overstayers in return for cheap labour.
The Crown needs a High Court judge's permission to lay charges against the MP.
Today's court hearing was a preliminary hearing to determine what test Chief High Court Justice Tony Randerson would use to base his decision on -- no evidence was heard in court.
Justice Randerson reserved his decision at the end of the three-hour hearing, saying he would deliver a written ruling in due course.
Crown prosecutor Simon Moore told the court the application was an "extremely rare procedure", a sentiment defence lawyer Paul Dacre also echoed describing the hearing as "unique".
Mr Moore told the court he was concerned the defence team had been "very vocal (in the media) about the investigation and that it has been politically inspired and politically driven".
Mr Moore said "now is the time for Phillip Field and his team to put that evidence forward".
Justice Randerson said he had seen no evidence to suggest the defence would argue the case was politically motivated and he would not be influenced by speculation in the press.
Mr Moore told the court disclosure of all evidence would be made available to the defence team by the Crown on Friday.
Mr Dacre in his submissions said the charges would "inevitably undermine the confidence people have in the Parliamentary system".
"This case could effect the way Parliament functions" in an MMP environment.
After the hearing Mr Field told media he had confidence in the judicial system and was happy with the submissions made by his defence team in court.
Mr Field said it was "only fair" that the full disclosure of information was being made .
"We've had the forces of the state investigate for the last two years, they've had plenty of time."
Outside court Mr Field said the case had taken a toll on him, despite the strong support of his family and legal counsel.
"Two years is a pretty long time."
The case had also taken a financial toll, he said.
"It's a very expensive exercise, it can drive people to bankruptcy but its a process we have to face given the allegations and we have to make sure we support the necessary steps we have to take."
Mr Field refused to speculate when asked whether he believed the case was politically motivated.
"The good Lord knows the reality of things."
Mr Field said he consistently maintained his innocence because it was the truth.
"What we're talking about is a whole lot of people that have immigration cases who come to see me, I processed them like shearing sheep.
"I don't take any notice of what they look like, I take their circumstances and apply it to the policy and make recommendations to someone who does make a decision.
"What happens down the track is not related at all, I am confident that I haven't done anything wrong."
Mr Field said he believed a safeguard against malicious prosecutions of MPs was important.
"Parliament some years ago realised there could be political motives, agendas, people having there own reasons why certain things happen, so its a safeguard which is important to have."
Mr Field said he hoped the safeguard was in place in his situation.
- NZPA
