A former NSW union boss denies he misused hundreds of thousands of dollars in branch funds to pay for cars, accommodation and household items.
Derrick Belan fronted Parramatta Local Court on Monday after pleading not guilty to 62 charges, mostly for obtaining financial advantage by deception.
The ex-secretary of the National Union of Workers NSW is accused of using corporate credit cards and accounts for his own personal use between 2011 and 2015.
It is alleged he bought "numerous items", including household goods, accommodation and motor vehicles, among other things, police prosecutor Senior Sergeant Jamie Palmer told the court.
But his barrister, Anton Duc, argued Belan was not involved in any of the conduct he is charged with.
"He deceived no one," Mr Duc said in his opening address.
"He didn't deceive the union's officials, he didn't deceive his colleagues. He was simply not involved in defrauding the union of one cent."
Dozens of statements, invoices, receipts and bank records were tendered on Monday, including some relating to alleged payments to the Good Guys electrical store, a NSW South Coast holiday park, a pawn broker, a laser clinic, a beauty salon and purchases on a cruise ship.
The prosecution also plans to call 25 witnesses to give evidence during the trial.
Belan was originally facing 64 offences, but two were withdrawn during Monday's court hearing.
Aside from the fraud charges, the 47-year-old is also accused of knowingly participating in a criminal group.
Mr Duc, however, claims there is not enough evidence to get beyond reasonable doubt that he was the "mastermind".
The trial continues.
Share
