MP Craig Thomson fights to stop civil action laid by Fair Work Australia Craig Thomson. EMBATTLED MP Craig Thomson is continuing his fight to stop civil action laid by Fair Work Australia while he battles 154 criminal charges over similar claims that he spent union funds on prostitutes. Both cases running simultaneously could prejudice the former Labor MP's case and cause a miscarriage of justice, his barrister Jim Pearce told the Federal Court today. Mr Thomson, who now sits as an independent in the federal Parliament, faces fines of up to $450,000 and compensation payments after the workplace watchdog filed civil proceedings in October last year. The action broadens existing claims that Mr Thomson spent hundreds of thousands of dollars of union funds on prostitutes and other personal expenses while national secretary of the Health Services Union. Mr Thomson's legal counsel argued it was "undesirable" to have the civil case running while his client tried to clear his name on criminal charges of theft and obtaining property and financial advantage by deception. The Federal Court heard this morning publicity from the civil matter, given the proximity of criminal proceedings and the burden of preparing for two defences simultaneously, could prejudice Mr Thomson. Mr Pearce said Mr Thomson would also be forced to disclose his defence - which may be that he acted honestly - despite his right to not incriminate himself by giving evidence in criminal proceedings. Stephen Donaghue SC, representing FWA, said his client wanted to pursue part of its case relating to Mr Thomson's alleged use of union money to finance his campaign for the seat of Dobell because it did not form part of the criminal charges. Mr Donaghue told judge Christopher Jessup that overlapping allegations of unauthorised spending on escort services should be stayed, but that non-overlapping parts of the civil case could go ahead. He said that if the entire civil matter was stayed, depending on the outcome of the criminal case, Mr Thomson could be protected from ever facing allegations about electoral expenditure during the Dobell campaign. Mr Thomson was charged after a Victoria Police investigation into the alleged misuse of HSU funds for prostitutes and other personal benefits. He was bailed on conditions, including that he did not contact anyone he allegedly engaged in sexual services. Mr Thomson has indicated he will plead not guilty to the charges. His will appear in the Melbourne Magistrates' Court for a committal mention in May. The hearing before Justice Jessup continues.