Tom Silvagni’s family fears appeal hearing may miss Christmas recess

Tom Silvagni’s family is concerned that his appeal against two rape convictions may not be heard before the Christmas court break, reducing the prospect of a decision before then. The Supreme Court of Victoria has not yet set a hearing date, but the timing remains uncertain and there has been no prediction that the appeal will be decided this year.

Silvagni, 24, was sentenced to a maximum of six years and two months in prison, with a non-parole period of three years and three months, for offences at his parents’ former home in January 2024. A lawyer said the court may decide whether to grant leave to appeal alongside the substantive appeal. Silvagni could separately seek bail pending appeal, which requires the court to find exceptional circumstances; if his appeal succeeds, possible outcomes include an acquittal, retrial or another order allowed by law.