The jury has retired to consider its verdict in the trial of Member for Mount Gambier Troy Bell.

For almost four months Mr Bell has faced trial in the District Council, accused of fraud offences.

The trial started in June, with Judge Rauf Soulio presiding.

Mr Bell is accused of misappropriating a significant amount of public funds but has repeatedly stated his innocence.

He has pleaded not guilty to 20 counts of alleged theft and six counts of alleged dishonestly dealing with documents.

The alleged offences relate to his work for an independent learning centre in Mount Gambier 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 50-year-old has continued with his usual parliamentary and other duties over the past seven years and was re-elected as an Independent MP in 2018 and 2022.

The Crown case was outlined by prosecutor Jemma Litster on the opening day.

The defence team is being led by barrister Nick Healy, of Elliott 
Johnston Chambers.

The trial was expected to last for four months and so a panel of 15 jurors is sitting rather than the usual 12.

Attorney-General Kyam Maher stated it was a “long trial” via a notice published in the June 20 edition of the Government Gazette.

Mr Bell was obliged to be in court on every day of the trial.