Previous Australian Lawmaker Imprisoned for More Than 60 Months for Sex Crimes
One-time public official found guilty of sexually abusing two individuals encountered via professional activities received a sentence to five years and nine months in prison.
Case Details
The defendant, mid-forties, has been in jail since last summer after judicial panel determined his guilt of sexually assaulting one man and sexually abusing another individual, in separate incidents in 2013 then 2015.
The politician represented the coastal town of the regional area in the New South Wales parliament from over a decade ago. He resigned as a political party cabinet member when allegations emerged in 2021 but resisted resigning from the legislature and returned to office in 2023.
Court Ruling
The presiding officer the judicial figure evaluated the defendant's condition of vision impairment in her sentence and concluded "no alternative punishment except for imprisonment could be considered".
Ward, who appeared via digital means at the courthouse, will undergo at minimum 45 months in detention before he can request parole.
Justice Shead declared the legal system needs to "send a stern message to similar individuals that criminal acts such as this will be faced with significant consequences".
Additional Information
Additionally stated the defendant had "evaded consequences for ten years and experienced freedom absent a treatment or penalty for his crimes during that period".
Post-trial, the individual initiated a failed court challenge to remain in his position and stepped down moments before the congress could expel him.
Representatives has previously said he intends to contest the ruling.
Trial Evidence
His extended court case in the judicial venue was told that he brought a inebriated young adult to his residence in 2013 and indecently assaulted him repeatedly, despite his attempts to resist.
Subsequently, he raped a mid-twenties office worker at his home after a gathering at the legislature.
He had maintained the second incident never occurred, and that the other complainant was confused about their meeting from the earlier year.
However, prosecutors argued that significant resemblances in the statements of the individuals, who did not know each other, proved they were being honest.
Court members considered for multiple days before returning the findings of guilt.
Ward's resignation prompted a by-election in Kiama in autumn, which was secured by the Labor candidate.
