PSYCHOLOGICAL reports tendered to a magistrate who sentenced Craig Thomson to jail for stealing union money have revealed the depths of the former Labor MP’s depression.
Thomson told the psychologist “things got really bad in 2010” when his vote became crucial to Julia Gillard’s minority government.
He began to suffer from episodes of acutely depressed mood with symptoms of dissociation and depersonalisation as well as physical symptoms of chest tightness and abdominal pain.
Professor Woods said mild depression which was diagnosed in 2012 was now ''moderate’’ and approaching ''severe’’ reflecting “his growing level of despondence and particularly since being found guilty of the charges.”
“Mr Thomson will, by virtue of his public notoriety, potentially be at far greater risk of harassment/harm by other inmates than might otherwise be the case if sentenced to a custodial term,” Professor Woods said.
