Ex- Down Under Public Figure Imprisoned for Above 60 Months for Sex Crimes
One-time public official convicted of sexually abusing two young men he met through professional activities was given to nearly six years in jail.
Legal Proceedings
Gareth Ward, mid-forties, remained in custody since mid-year after the court determined his guilt of attacking an individual and attacking another individual, in separate incidents in 2013 and 2015.
Ward represented the seaside community of Kiama in the state parliament from 2011. He resigned as a Liberal Party official when accusations came to light in 2021 but refused to quit the legislature and was re-elected in 2023.
Court Ruling
The presiding officer the court official took into account Ward's disability of sight disability in her sentence and found "no other penalty other than imprisonment would be suitable".
The defendant, who participated via digital means at the judicial venue, will undergo at least 45 months in detention before he can seek early release.
The court official stated the court needs to "issue a clear statement to like-minded offenders that sexual offendings such as this will be met with serious punishments".
Additional Information
Additionally stated the defendant had "escaped justice for a decade and enjoyed a life free from a programme or punishment for his crimes during that time".
After his conviction, the politician initiated a rejected court challenge to remain in his position and stepped down just prior to the legislature could oust him.
Representatives has previously said he plans to contest the conviction.
Case Facts
The defendant's lengthy proceedings in the judicial venue was told that he invited a drunk teenager to his property in the first incident and attacked him repeatedly, despite resistance attempts to fight back.
Subsequently, he sexually assaulted a 24-year-old office worker at his property after a function at parliament.
The defendant had argued the later assault was fabricated, and that the additional accuser was confused about their meeting from 2013.
The state's attorneys argued that significant resemblances in the accounts of the victims, who were unacquainted with one another, proved they were being honest.
The panel considered for 72 hours before announcing the guilty verdicts.
Ward's resignation prompted a by-election in the district in September, which was won by the Labor candidate.
