One Nation senator Rod Culleton arrives for his appearance at the High Court in Canberra. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen Senator Culleton had previously represented himself, but hired a legal team to represent him as the full bench of the High Court, acting as the Court of Disputed Returns, decided his eligibility to sit in the Senate. But Mr Wilson, who described Senator Culleton as "a wonderful man", said he was forced to interrupt, believing his friend had been unduly influenced by his barristers into accepting a trial without a jury, and should be representing himself. "He is making a stand for all of Australia, we are not going to put up with the corruption in these courts," he said. "We have the lawful right to a jury. This is Australia, we are a democracy, where sovereignty is with the people and when you come to these courts, they say 'No, you've got no rights, we are the boss and you're the servants.'

Senator Culleton at the High Court. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen "I say, 'No you're not, we're free men and we have had this right to trial by jury, to protect our property and liberty for 800 years and they say 'Poo, poo to that.' " Mr Wilson admitted he had been described as a "vexatious litigant" by the courts previously - which he described as an attempt to keep him quiet – and said Senator Culleton was "being treated as a slave". Speaking outside the court during an adjournment, Senator Culleton denied Mr Wilson's assertions they were friends. "No, that wasn't my friend," he said.

"A lot of people have written to me, certainly he is not a personal friend. "That was an outburst I think was not required by the court. Anyway, anyone can turn up to the court. I can't control people's personal opinions." Heading into the court, Senator Culleton said he believes he holds his party's policies "higher" than leader Pauline Hanson, as the rift between the pair threatens to overshadow his High Court battle. But Senator Culleton said he did not need his leader to "love" him to continue serving with One Nation. Ahead of his appearance before the full High Court bench, the West Australian maintained he was being pursued for political reasons.

"It is not the High Court, it is the government that wants to challenge me," he said outside the court. "Malcolm Turnbull's government wants to challenge me over annulment." The court is being asked to decide whether a conviction, later nullified after the election, made Senator Culleton ineligible to stand as a senator under section 44 of the constitution . While not saying whether the Commonwealth was paying for his legal representation, Senator Culleton said his party, which had voted with the government to refer the matter to the High Court, had been "misled" by Attorney-General George Brandis. Relations between Senator Hanson and Senator Culleton have been in decline since the referral, culminating in Senator Hanson all but disowning Senator Culleton in a radio interview in which she said he was "not a team player" and "someone who could not be reasoned with".

But Senator Culleton said he was undeterred by his leader's comments. "That's OK, she doesn't want to get involved in the court matters, does she?" he said. "That's the position she takes and if that is her position, then I can't help that. "I can't make somebody love me, you know?" Senator Culleton has maintained his confidence throughout the proceedings and said he would weigh up his future once the matter had been finalised, but showed no remorse over breaking with the party on votes, particularly the backpacker tax.

"It is what is right for the people and if you feel that you can get a better deal as one senator standing out on his own, then that is what you go for," he said. "You must strike the best deal you can on the day and take every piece of legislation on its merit and go your hardest. "Because that is what the people want, they want somebody who is going to perform, not a bloody muppet and a puppet. "I can still perform my duties under One Nation, and, look, there are questions over some of the policies - we were at odds on the Kidman station, but the policy was we don't want any more foreign ownership." When asked if he believed he held One Nation's policiesmore highly than Senator Hanson did, Senator Culleton said "I believe I am", citing his fight for a banking royal commission and battle for farmers.

Kennedy MP Bob Katter arrived in support of Senator Culleton, and former senator Bob Day, who will also face the High Court on eligibility issue next year. While Senator Culleton's Senate seat appears likely to stay with One Nation regardless of the outcome, Senator Day's matter was more complicated, with the upper house spot not guaranteed to stay with Family First in the case of a recount. The court, which has adjourned until 2.15pm, is likely to reserve its decision in both matters. Follow us on Twitter