Former Down Under Public Figure Jailed for Over Half a Decade for Sex Crimes
An ex- public official found guilty of sexually abusing two individuals he met through work has been sentenced to nearly six years in prison.
Trial Information
Gareth Ward, forty-four, has been in jail since July after a jury determined his guilt of sexually assaulting one man and sexually abusing another individual, in multiple events in over two years.
The defendant acted for the seaside community of Kiama in the NSW parliament from the year 2011. He stepped down as a government official when allegations emerged in recent years but resisted resigning from parliament and won again in 2023.
Court Ruling
Justice the judicial figure evaluated the defendant's condition of sight disability in her sentence and concluded "no other penalty besides detention could be considered".
The defendant, who appeared via remote connection at the courthouse, will complete at least nearly four years in custody before he can apply for parole.
The court official stated the judicial system needs to "deliver a strong warning to similar individuals that sexual offendings such as this will be faced with significant consequences".
Additional Information
She also said Ward had "evaded consequences for ten years and lived freely absent a treatment or punishment for his crimes during that period".
Following the verdict, the individual launched a failed legal bid to remain in his position and stepped down just prior to the legislature could oust him.
His legal team has indicated before he aims to contest the guilty verdict.
Incident Details
The defendant's nine-week trial in the state court heard that he invited a intoxicated 18-year-old man to his home in the first incident and sexually abused him three times, despite the victim's efforts to oppose.
Two years later, he attacked a 24-year-old political staffer at his residence after a gathering at the legislature.
The defendant had argued the 2015 rape never occurred, and that the first victim was confused about their interaction from the first incident.
But the prosecution contended that striking similarities in the statements of the individuals, who did not know each other, showed they were being honest.
Court members deliberated for multiple days before delivering the guilty verdicts.
Ward's resignation caused a special election in Kiama in September, which was secured by the Labor candidate.
