Dotcom offered me $200,000 — Banks

As the High Court at Auckland heard audio of a police interview with John Banks today, my main thought was, "Please make it stop."

I could not be in court, alas, but followed the action through tweets by NewstalkZB's Frances Cook.

Things went from farce to high farce:

Banks police interview played in court. At beginning, checks he can go to the toilet if needed. "I've had three cups of coffee this morning"

— Frances Cook (@FrancesCook) May 21, 2014

John Banks ripping on KDotcom in police interview - "He's 7 foot and 200kgs. And on another planet."

— Frances Cook (@FrancesCook) May 21, 2014

"He'll play playstation for five days and four nights, if you know what I mean."

— Frances Cook (@FrancesCook) May 21, 2014

"His wife is one of the most beautiful women on earth, which we found... Interesting."

— Frances Cook (@FrancesCook) May 21, 2014

"There were about 40 women under 25, about 40 men your age (to detective). Hot tubs. It's a fabulous place to visit" Banks on Dotcom parties

— Frances Cook (@FrancesCook) May 22, 2014

Banks description of Dotcom/Megaupload eventually draws smothered laughter from 3 journos. Judge doesn't even reprimand, smiling himself.

— Frances Cook (@FrancesCook) May 22, 2014

Asked why he attended a party at the Dotcom mansion, Mr Banks said anyone would go if invited.

At the more serious end of things, Mr Banks alleged that Kim Dotcom offered him a $200,000 donation.

He said he refused because he though it was an "outrageous" amount of money.

Mr Banks said Dotcom offered him "great access to social media."

He told police he did use the internet and did not understand this was a reference to social media — meaning, presumably, that the official John Banks Twitter account that has operated for the past four and a half years has been controlled by a third-party. 

Mr Banks says he then suggested Mr Dotcom donate $25,000 (the standard amount he was asking from big donors). He did not recall if the accused pirate said yes and had "no actual knowledge" of any donation from Mr Dotcom (who in the event sent the campaign two $25,000 cheques; Mr Dotcom maintains Mr Banks asked him to split a $50,000 cheque).

Mr Banks also reiterated that he was not aware a $15,000 cheque, recorded as anonymous, came from Sky City.

The Auckland Mayoral candidate turned ACT leader says he spoke to Mr Dotcom on three more occasions but did not attend another party at Dotcom mansion. He decided it was not his scene.

ckeall@nbr.co.nz

Follow @ChrisKeall

MORE: John Banks trial: why split the $50K cheque? Two unflattering theories