Ex- Australian Public Figure Sentenced for More Than Half a Decade for Criminal Acts
A former lawmaker convicted of sexually abusing two individuals he met through work received a sentence to five years and nine months in detention.
Case Details
Gareth Ward, forty-four, was in custody since July after a jury found him guilty of attacking one man and sexually abusing a second person, in multiple events in 2013 and 2015.
The politician acted for the oceanfront municipality of the district in the NSW legislature from over a decade ago. He left his position as a Liberal Party cabinet member when the claims surfaced in 2021 but declined to leave his seat and won again in 2023.
Sentencing Details
Justice Kara Shead evaluated his visual impairment of vision impairment in the ruling and found "no other penalty besides detention could be considered".
Ward, who participated via video-link at Parramatta District Court, will complete at no less than 45 months in prison before he can apply for parole.
The court official stated the judicial system needs to "send a stern message to similar individuals that illegal behaviors of this nature will be faced with salutary penalties".
Additional Information
Additionally stated Ward had "escaped justice for multiple years and experienced freedom free from a treatment or penalty for his actions during that time".
Following the verdict, the individual initiated a failed appeal attempt to stay in government and resigned shortly before the congress could remove him.
Representatives has indicated before he plans to challenge the guilty verdict.
Case Facts
His lengthy proceedings in the state court heard that he brought a inebriated 18-year-old man to his home in 2013 and indecently assaulted him three times, despite resistance attempts to resist.
Two years later, he raped a 24-year-old government employee at his property after an event at government offices.
Ward had argued the 2015 rape was fabricated, and that the other complainant was misremembering their encounter from the first incident.
The state's attorneys contended that significant resemblances in the statements of the individuals, who were unacquainted with each other, demonstrated they were telling the truth.
Court members deliberated for 72 hours before announcing the findings of guilt.
His departure prompted a replacement vote in Kiama in autumn, which was won by the Labor candidate.
