Former Down Under Politician Imprisoned for Above Half a Decade for Sex Crimes
A former Australian politician found guilty of sexually abusing two individuals connected through work was given to nearly six years in jail.
Trial Information
Gareth Ward, mid-forties, was in custody since mid-year after a jury convicted him of sexually assaulting an individual and sexually abusing another individual, in different occasions in over two years.
The defendant served the coastal town of Kiama in the state government from the year 2011. He resigned as a political party minister when allegations emerged in recent years but refused to quit the legislature and returned to office in 2023.
Judgment Information
The presiding officer Kara Shead took into account the defendant's condition of vision impairment in the ruling and concluded "no alternative punishment besides incarceration could be considered".
Ward, who participated via digital means at Parramatta District Court, will serve at no less than three years and nine months in custody before he can seek early release.
The judge said the legal system needs to "deliver a strong warning to like-minded offenders that criminal acts like these will be met with salutary penalties".
Additional Information
The judge added Ward had "avoided punishment for ten years and lived freely free from a rehabilitation program or consequence for his actions during those years".
Following the verdict, Ward launched a unsuccessful appeal attempt to stay in government and stepped down moments before the members could oust him.
Defense attorneys has stated earlier he aims to appeal the guilty verdict.
Case Facts
Ward's nine-week trial in the state court was told that he invited a intoxicated young adult to his home in 2013 and sexually abused him repeatedly, despite resistance attempts to resist.
Subsequently, he attacked a 24-year-old office worker at his residence after a function at government offices.
He had argued the 2015 rape didn't happen, and that the first victim was inaccurate regarding their interaction from the earlier year.
The state's attorneys argued that striking similarities in the statements of the victims, who were unacquainted with each other, proved they were being honest.
The panel deliberated for three days before delivering the findings of guilt.
His departure caused a replacement vote in the district in September, which was secured by the opposition party.
