Former Australian Public Figure Jailed for Over 60 Months for Sex Crimes
One-time Australian politician convicted of sexually abusing two individuals connected through professional activities received a sentence to nearly six years in detention.
Case Details
Gareth Ward, 44, was in jail since mid-year after judicial panel convicted him of raping one man and attacking another individual, in multiple events in 2013 and 2015.
The defendant served the coastal town of the district in the New South Wales government from the year 2011. He stepped down as a Liberal Party cabinet member when accusations surfaced in 2021 but refused to quit parliament and returned to office in 2023.
Judgment Information
Judge the court official evaluated his visual impairment of vision impairment in the judgment and concluded "no alternative punishment except for detention could be considered".
Ward, who was present via video-link at Parramatta District Court, will complete at minimum nearly four years in custody before he can seek parole.
The court official stated the judicial system needs to "deliver a strong warning to potential criminals that sexual offendings such as this will be met with serious punishments".
Case Background
Additionally stated Ward had "avoided punishment for multiple years and lived freely free from a rehabilitation program or consequence for his crimes during that time".
After his conviction, Ward attempted a rejected legal bid to continue in government and left office shortly before the legislature could remove him.
Defense attorneys has indicated before he plans to challenge the ruling.
Case Facts
The defendant's nine-week trial in the state court learned that he brought a inebriated 18-year-old man to his residence in 2013 and attacked him three times, despite his attempts to resist.
In 2015, he sexually assaulted a 24-year-old government employee at his home after a gathering at government offices.
He had maintained the second incident never occurred, and that the first victim was confused about their encounter from the first incident.
But the prosecution maintained that significant resemblances in the statements of the two men, who were unacquainted with each other, proved they were telling the truth.
A jury deliberated for three days before returning the findings of guilt.
Ward's resignation prompted a special election in his constituency in last fall, which was won by the challenger.
