So, as you saw, from early on, Middleton established himself as an untrustworthy witness. That trend continued into the afternoon session, with Middleton giving the same answers as he did in the morning.

It was not until Business Senator Mark Lizarraga asked him an usual question that things got more interesting. The Senator asked him if he had been threatened so that he would not cooperate. Quite surprisingly, he said that, indeed, he had been.

Here’s that moment of the hearing for you to decide whether he’s telling the truth or not:

Hon. Mark Lizarraga - Senator, Business Sector
"I need to ask you this question and I need for you to think seriously about it before you answer it. Have you been threatened Mr Middleton by anybody?"

Barton Middleton - Implicated in Visa Theft
"No sir."

Hon. Mark Lizarraga
"Nobody has threatened you in relation to your coming before this committee and speaking before this committee?"

Barton Middleton
"No sir."

Hon. Mark Lizarraga
"Are you scared for your life Mr. Middleton?"

Barton Middleton
"Yes sir."

Hon. Mark Lizarraga
"Yes?"

Barton Middleton
"Yes."

Hon. Mark Lizarraga
"Is there something you would like to tell us?"

Barton Middleton
"No sir."

Hon. Mark Lizarraga
"Is there something you would like to tell the committee off record?"

Barton Middleton
"No sir."

Hon. Mark Lizarraga
"But you are scared for your life?"

Barton Middleton
"Yes sir."

Hon. Ashley Rocke- Senator for Churches
"Why would a simple inquiry like this to find out truth on allegations that were made about you make you scared for your life?"

Barton Middleton
"Nothing is as simple as it seems sir."

Hon. Aldo Salazar - Chairman, Senate Select Committee
"Issue that causes you to be put in fear for your life has to do with your testimony before this committee or is it some other reason which is unrelated to this committee hearing?"

Barton Middleton
"It's related to the hearing, it's difficult to explain. I just have seen strange cars followed me before that I've never seen since this situation with - just a sixth sense I suppose."

Hon. Aldo Salazar
"What we're trying to ascertain is it isn't a result of a direct threat?"

Barton Middleton
"I'm not at liberty to say at this point."

Hon. Mark Lizarraga
"Have you shared any of the concerns that you have for your life to the police or the authorities?"

Barton Middleton
"Not necessarily because I believe I heard a statement that the police cannot protect you."

Hon. Mark Lizarraga
"Where did you hear that statement?"

Barton Middleton
"I can't recall."

The Senate will now take 3 week break, and on April 26, they will resume by calling Middleton back to testify.