Ex- Australian Politician Imprisoned for Above Half a Decade for Sex Crimes
A former lawmaker found guilty of sexually abusing two young men connected through professional activities has been sentenced to nearly six years in prison.
Trial Information
The defendant, 44, remained in jail since July after a jury convicted him of raping one man and indecently assaulting another, in separate incidents in 2013 then 2015.
The politician represented the oceanfront municipality of Kiama in the NSW government from over a decade ago. He left his position as a government cabinet member when accusations emerged in 2021 but resisted resigning from the legislature and was re-elected in 2023.
Judgment Information
Judge the court official took into account his visual impairment of legal blindness in the ruling and determined "no different consequence except for imprisonment is appropriate".
The defendant, who was present via video-link at Parramatta District Court, will serve at minimum nearly four years in prison before he can request conditional freedom.
The judge declared the court needs to "issue a clear statement to potential criminals that sexual offendings of this nature will be faced with serious punishments".
Case Background
Additionally stated the defendant had "escaped justice for ten years and experienced freedom without a programme or punishment for his crimes during that time".
Following the verdict, Ward launched a unsuccessful legal bid to remain in government and resigned shortly before the congress could oust him.
Representatives has indicated before he plans to contest the conviction.
Case Facts
Ward's lengthy proceedings in the judicial venue was told that he invited a inebriated teenager to his residence in the first incident and indecently assaulted him repeatedly, despite his attempts to resist.
Subsequently, he raped a young government employee at his home after a gathering at the legislature.
The defendant had argued the second incident was fabricated, and that the other complainant was inaccurate regarding their encounter from the first incident.
However, prosecutors argued that notable parallels in the testimonies of the individuals, who were unacquainted with the other, proved they were accurate in their accounts.
A jury considered for 72 hours before delivering the convictions.
Ward's resignation led to a by-election in Kiama in last fall, which was won by the Labor candidate.
