Mark ‘Bomber’ Thompson dashes in and out of Melbourne court on drug charges

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AFL great Mark “Bomber” Thompson has dashed in and out of a Melbourne court in a flash, almost avoiding cameras as his drug trafficking case was adjourned for a month.

Thompson was due to face Melbourne Magistrates Court on Friday over drug charges linked to a police raid at his Port Melbourne home earlier this year.

His case was listed for 10am but the former Essendon captain surprised waiting media members when he arrived at court at midday and darted up the stairs.

Thompson, wearing a dark suit and tie, and his lawyer then adjourned the case administratively at a court desk, meaning he didn’t appear before a magistrate.

Barely 15 minutes after he arrived, the 54-year-old dashed outside to a waiting car and hopped in, again surprising photographers who scrambled to take their shots.

Thompson, who played in three premierships with Essendon and coached Geelong to two flags, is facing seven drug-related offences, including trafficking and possession.

Methamphetamine, ecstasy, LSD and MDMA were found in plastic bags during a raid of Thompson’s residence on January 5, police say.

Some of the drugs were found in a small room protected by a keypad that investigators allege only Thompson could access.

Geelong memorabilia was also allegedly found in the room.

Thompson was interviewed by detectives in January but he was not charged with any crimes until May 1.

He was released on bail despite police believing he was a flight risk because he had access to a yacht and money.

He agreed to pay a $20,000 surety and notify authorities if he needs to travel interstate for football commitments.

Strict bail conditions require Thompson to report to police three times a week.

He has also been banned from contacting Thomas Windsor, Katia Drcec and Karl Holt, who were charged following the raid.

Thompson is expected to return to court on June 28.