Defence lawyer Nicholas Healy says evidence against MP Troy Bell, accused of theft, is in ‘dispute’

The case against Mount Gambier MP Troy Bell, who allegedly used money for the education of at-risk kids on home renovations, is “much ado about nothing”, a jury has heard.

A large amount of evidence that allegedly shows a South Australia MP stole money from organisations to help at-risk children is “much ado about nothing”, a court has heard.

Mount Gambier MP Troy Stephen Bell is standing trial in the District Court after pleading not guilty to 20 counts of theft and six counts of dishonest dealings with documents.

He is alleged to have taken funds from the not-for-profit Independent Learning Centre (ILC) and used the money on renovations and flight to Los Angeles.

During his short opening address, Mr Bell’s counsel Nicholas Healy on Wednesday told the jury many of the bank transactions to be presented as evidence would “be in dispute”.

“You’ve just heard a very lengthy and detailed opening,” Mr Healy said. “That’s not a criticism – this is a very large and complex trial and we as lawyers sometimes take for granted how difficult it must be for jurors to listen attentively for long periods of time.

“You’ve heard that Mr Bell pleaded not guilty at the commencement of this trial so you know that he denies all of the allegations – and at this point, that is all they are.

“You’ll hear a huge volume of evidence led from the prosecution in this trial which I will ultimately submit to you is much ado about nothing.”

Mount Gambier MP Troy Bell arrives at the Sir Samuel Way building on Monday for the start of his trial. Picture: Mark Brake

On Tuesday, prosecutor Jemma Litster said Mr Bell was working for the Department of Education in the South-East office when he helped establish the ILC in 2006, which was based at Millicent High School, and two not-for-profit associations, one called the Limestone Coast Education and Training Association (LCETA).

The court heard the “trusted” Mr Bell abused his position of power to steal funds from the ILC – an organisation to encourage at-risk and disadvantaged children to further their education – between 2009 and 2013 to pay off his debts and fund home renovations.

On Wednesday, prosecution alleged a $50,000 invoice was issued to Millicent High School on December 8, 2010, just a day after Mr Bell deposited a $127,000 cheque from LCETA, which was partly then transferred into his joint personal account.

On December 1, 2010, it is alleged Mr Bell emailed “Mr Davey” – the administration manager at the school – stating the “ILC was a mess”, while also identifying a “series of improvements” required.

These improvements included a new computer system, new storage, carpets, private study desks, smartboards, conference desks and “lots of other bits and pieces”, a court heard.

“It’s the prosecution case that Mr Bell’s use of language in that email – the personal pronoun … ‘things I need’, ‘I will table these receipts’ – underscores the level of control he exerted over the ILC at that point,” Ms Litster said.

On Wednesday, Mr Healy strongly disputed the allegations.

Troy Bell seen leaving court after an earlier appearance. Picture: NewsWire / Roy VanDerVegt

“Many of the transactions the prosecution will lead in evidence will also be in dispute … they do not represent what the Crown say they do in many of the instances,” Mr Healy said.

“The evidence going to the heart of the elements … the elements of theft, the elements of dishonestly dealing with documents … it is disputed by Mr Bell that he at any time acted dishonestly.

“At this point, after nearly a day-and-a-half of hearing from my learned friend on the prosecution opening, you’ve only heard one side of the story, and as the old saying goes, there’s always two sides.”

A jury of 15 people were empanelled on Monday and will hear evidence for up to four months.

The trial continues.

Originally published as Defence lawyer Nicholas Healy says evidence against MP Troy Bell, accused of theft, is in ‘dispute’