Newly instigated Court of Appeal will hear two appeals involving disgraced former magistrate Bob Harrap

The high-profile appeal of disgraced magistrate Bob Harrap will be one of the first cases heard by SA’s new Court of Appeal.

Supreme Court Justices Chris Bleby QC, David Lovell, Chief Justice Chris Kourakis, President Justice Trish Kelly, Sam Doyle and Mark Livesey in front of the Supreme Court. Picture: Mark Brake

The 18-month prison term given to a disgraced magistrate will be one of the first cases heard by the new specialised Court of Appeal.

The court, consisting of six members of the Supreme Court, begins Friday with the matter involving Bob Harrap listed for February 11.

Attorney-General Vickie Chapman said there were 14 matters already listed before the court, including three civil matters and 11 criminal appeals.

The Director of Public Prosecutions is appealing against the 18-month prison sentence handed to former magistrate Bob Harrap over deception and conspiracy to abuse public office.

The court will also hear Harrap’s appeal against the length of his sentence which he is arguing is “manifestly excessive” for the crime’s he committed.

“At present, the Court’s first hearing is scheduled for next month, but this may change if further matters are listed,” Ms Chapman said.

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Former magistrate Bob Harrap arrives at the District Court. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Brenton Edwards

“In the meantime, work will continue to finalise administrative processes and do the

necessary groundwork to ensure a smooth transition to the new system.”

The new court is made up of experienced jurists and new additions who were considered at the top of the legal profession.

Justice Trish Kelly was earlier this year appointed the court’s president alongside Justices David Lovell, Sam Doyle, Mark Livesey and Chris Bleby.

Appeals previously listed before the Full Court, Court of Criminal Appeal or before a single judge in the case of appeals of criminal matters heard by the Magistrates Court will be finalised in those courts and not by the new Court of Appeal.