Member for Mount Gambier Troy Bell will appeal last week’s jury verdict that found him guilty of a raft of charges.
The Independent MP last Thursday was found guilty of 25 fraud related charges – but not guilty of one after the District Court spent more than three months hearing the matter.
Mr Bell, who was accused of misappropriating a significant amount of public funds and had steadfastly maintained his innocence, pleaded not guilty to 20 counts of alleged theft and six counts of alleged dishonestly dealing with documents.
The jury found him guilty of all of the theft counts and on five counts of dishonestly dealing with documents, while finding him not guilty of one charge of dishonestly dealing with documents.
Mr Bell now faces a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment for each count of theft, and up to 15 years for each count of aggravated dishonestly dealing with documents.
The alleged offences relate to his work for an independent learning centre in the Limestone Coast and prior to him being elected as a Liberal MP in 2014.
Mr Bell was charged with the alleged offences in 2017 after an investigation by South Australia’s Independent Commissioner Against Corruption.
The prosecution had alleged that Mr Bell had used his position to steal more than $400,000 from not for profit educational organisations between 2009 and 2013.
Mr Bell on Tuesday issued a personal statement outlining how he intends to proceed with the matter.
“On Thursday, 26 September 2024, after a four-month trial, I was found guilty by a jury in the District Court of South Australia,” Mr Bell said in the statement.
“In the days since the verdict, I have taken time to reflect, be with my family, and seek legal counsel on the best course of action. These past few days have been incredibly difficult for my family and myself as we come to terms with the jury’s decision.
“After reflection, I am now ready to make a public statement. Based on the legal advice I have received, I have instructed my legal team to proceed with filing an appeal.
“My matter therefore remains before the court, for both sentencing and the eventual appeal. As a result, I cannot, and will not, make any further comment on the facts of the case, any aspect of the trial, or indeed in respect of this matter generally. I wish to publicly state my understanding and respect for the very difficult job the jury were required to do.”
Mr Bell said he remained committed to his electorate and outlined his plans for the immediate future.
“As the Member for Mount Gambier there is still important work to be done in shaping our community’s vision for the future,” he said.
“This has culminated in the ‘Future Mount Gambier – 2.0’ document which is nearing completion.
“It is my intention to finish this work to ensure that our community is in the best possible position to articulate our future needs ahead of the next State Election.
“My office remains open as usual for all constituent enquiries.
“In that regard I wish to publicly record my gratitude to my community for the support they have provided me at this very difficult time.”
Mr Bell’s announcement followed a statement earlier on Tuesday from the State Government, which foreshadowed a by-election for Mount Gambier if there was no appeal forthcoming.
Leader of Government Business Tom Koutsantonis issued a statement about Mr Bell outlining the government’s proposed approach.
“The State Government has received advice regarding the jury verdict in the trial of the Independent Member for Mount Gambier Troy Bell, who was found guilty of theft and dishonest dealing with documents,” Minister Koutsantonis said.
“The government is advised that in order to appeal against his verdict, Mr Bell must file a notice with the court within 21 days.
“This deadline will occur on the Thursday of the next week of parliamentary sitting.
“In the absence of any appeal prior to that date, the government will support a motion to vacate the seat of Mount Gambier, prompting a by-election.”
