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South Australian state MP Troy Bell’s political career has come to an end, with the independent required to resign from parliament after his attempt to overturn over two dozen fraud and theft convictions failed on appeal.
In September, a jury found him guilty of more than two dozen counts of theft and fraud, concerning the misappropriation of over $400,000 intended for vulnerable high school students.
The funds were instead used for personal expenses, including credit card payments and home renovations.
Today, Bell lost his fight to have the verdicts overturned on appeal.
“Obviously I’ll be stepping down as the member for Mount Gambier, and I’ll inform the parliament of that in the coming days,” he stated, expressing he was “disappointed” but “respectful of the decision.”
The resignation may prompt a by-election in Mount Gambier, with Speaker Leon Bignell to decide if one will be held just months before a state election.
Bell represented the electorate for a decade, initially as a Liberal Party member before becoming an independent after being charged in 2017.
He now faces a potentially lengthy jail term, but he and his legal team haven’t ruled out a further appeal to the High Court.
A sentencing date is yet to be set.
