The trial of Independent Mount Gambier MP Troy Bell on fraud charges has recently entered its fifth month.

It began in the District Court in Adelaide in April.

Judge Simon Stretton has been hearing legal argument in the absence of a jury ever since.

Mr Bell is accused of misappropriating more than $2m of public funds but has repeatedly stated his innocence.

He was charged with the offences in 2017 after an investigation by South Australia’s Independent Commissioner Against Corruption.

In the meantime, the Independent MP has won two elections and continued with many of his usual parliamentary, electorate and other duties.