John Banks coated with mud on way to court

John Banks is attacked with a bucket of mud, as he arrives at the High Court in Auckland this morning. Photo / Brett Phibbs

John Banks' trial on a charge of filing a false electoral return got off to a dirty start today when a man threw a bucket of mud at him as he walked into the High Court at Auckland.

Act's sole MP was walking towards the court's entrance when an elderly man stepped forward and threw a bucket load of mud at him, spattering his face and suit.

This is amazing: Photo from @katenewtonnz of Banks vs Mud http://t.co/dpvqfGj2Bb pic.twitter.com/5VDsL2p00l

Penny Bright, who was protesting against Banks outside the court, witnessed the incident and said the man "just biffed it all over" Banks.

"He just looked like thunder," she said of Banks, who then composed himself and walked inside.

Ms Bright said the man, who was wearing a purple polar fleece top and grey track pants, was angry about something Banks had said on Radio Pacific in 1997.

Court security were dealing with the man.

Banks is alleged to have knowingly received political donations from internet entrepreneur Kim Dotcom and SkyCity that were recorded in official returns as anonymous during his bid for the Auckland mayoralty in 2010.

The allegations relate to two $25,000 donations from Dotcom and a $15,000 donation from SkyCity.

Photos: John Banks splattered with mud

Image 1 of 4: John Banks is attacked with a bucket of mud, as he arrives at the High Court in Auckland this morning. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Banks' trial will be heard by Justice Edwin Wylie, without a jury.

It was due to start at 10am but was delayed until 11.30am.