Former Australian Lawmaker Sentenced for Over Five Years for Sex Crimes
One-time lawmaker found guilty of attacking two individuals encountered via his position was given to nearly six years in detention.
Case Details
The defendant, mid-forties, has been in custody since last summer after a jury determined his guilt of raping a victim and sexually abusing another, in different occasions in 2013 and 2015.
The politician served the coastal town of the district in the NSW legislature from over a decade ago. He stepped down as a government cabinet member when allegations came to light in recent years but resisted resigning from his seat and was re-elected in 2023.
Judgment Information
Justice the judicial figure took into account Ward's disability of sight disability in the judgment and concluded "no alternative punishment other than incarceration could be considered".
The convicted individual, who was present via remote connection at the courthouse, will complete at no less than 45 months in custody before he can seek parole.
The court official stated the court needs to "deliver a strong warning to like-minded offenders that illegal behaviors of this nature will be met with salutary penalties".
Additional Information
Additionally stated the convicted man had "avoided punishment for a decade and experienced freedom free from a treatment or punishment for the offenses during those years".
Post-trial, the politician launched a rejected appeal attempt to stay in his position and stepped down just prior to the congress could oust him.
Representatives has stated earlier he plans to challenge the conviction.
Trial Evidence
The defendant's extended court case in the NSW District Court was told that he asked a drunk teenager to his residence in 2013 and indecently assaulted him repeatedly, despite resistance attempts to fight back.
Subsequently, he sexually assaulted a 24-year-old political staffer at his property after an event at the legislature.
He had maintained the second incident was fabricated, and that the other complainant was confused about their meeting from the earlier year.
The state's attorneys maintained that significant resemblances in the accounts of the two men, who were unacquainted with the other, demonstrated they were being honest.
Court members debated for multiple days before returning the convictions.
His departure prompted a special election in Kiama in September, which was claimed by the Labor candidate.
