Former Australian Politician Jailed for Over Half a Decade for Sexual Offenses
One-time Australian politician convicted of assaulting two young men he met through professional activities received a sentence to nearly six years in detention.
Trial Information
Gareth Ward, mid-forties, was in prison since last summer after the court found him guilty of attacking an individual and indecently assaulting a second person, in multiple events in 2013 and 2015.
The defendant acted for the coastal town of Kiama in the New South Wales government from over a decade ago. He resigned as a Liberal Party official when allegations emerged in 2021 but refused to quit his seat and was re-elected in 2023.
Court Ruling
The presiding officer the court official considered the defendant's condition of vision impairment in her sentence and determined "no different consequence other than incarceration could be considered".
Ward, who participated via video-link at the courthouse, will serve at least three years and nine months in detention before he can seek parole.
Justice Shead said the court needs to "issue a clear statement to potential criminals that criminal acts such as this will be met with significant consequences".
Case Background
Additionally stated the defendant had "evaded consequences for ten years and enjoyed a life without a programme or consequence for his crimes during those years".
Following the verdict, the politician launched a rejected court challenge to remain in government and left office just prior to the congress could oust him.
Representatives has stated earlier he aims to appeal the guilty verdict.
Case Facts
The defendant's nine-week trial in the judicial venue learned that he invited a drunk 18-year-old man to his home in 2013 and attacked him repeatedly, despite his attempts to resist.
In 2015, he raped a young political staffer at his property after an event at the legislature.
He had claimed the later assault was fabricated, and that the additional accuser was confused about their interaction from the first incident.
However, prosecutors contended that striking similarities in the statements of the victims, who had no connection to each other, proved they were being honest.
A jury deliberated for 72 hours before announcing the findings of guilt.
Ward's resignation prompted a by-election in his constituency in autumn, which was secured by the opposition party.
