Ex- Down Under Public Figure Sentenced for Over 60 Months for Criminal Acts
A former public official convicted of sexually abusing two individuals he met through professional activities was given to five years and nine months in detention.
Trial Information
The defendant, forty-four, remained in custody since last summer after a jury determined his guilt of attacking one man and attacking a second person, in different occasions in over two years.
Ward served the seaside community of Kiama in the state legislature from the year 2011. He resigned as a political party minister when the claims surfaced in recent years but resisted resigning from his seat and returned to office in 2023.
Sentencing Details
Judge the court official took into account his visual impairment of sight disability in the judgment and concluded "no different consequence other than detention would be suitable".
The convicted individual, who participated via digital means at Parramatta District Court, will undergo at no less than three years and nine months in custody before he can request parole.
The judge said the court needs to "deliver a strong warning to similar individuals that illegal behaviors of this nature will be met with serious punishments".
Further Details
Additionally stated Ward had "avoided punishment for multiple years and enjoyed a life without a programme or penalty for his crimes during those years".
Post-trial, the politician initiated a rejected legal bid to stay in his position and stepped down just prior to the legislature could expel him.
His legal team has indicated before he intends to challenge the conviction.
Case Facts
His nine-week trial in the NSW District Court heard that he brought a drunk young adult to his property in 2013 and sexually abused him repeatedly, despite resistance attempts to resist.
Subsequently, he attacked a young government employee at his home after a function at the legislature.
Ward had claimed the 2015 rape was fabricated, and that the first victim was misremembering their interaction from the earlier year.
But the prosecution contended that significant resemblances in the statements of the victims, who were unacquainted with each other, proved they were being honest.
Court members considered for three days before announcing the findings of guilt.
His departure caused a special election in Kiama in September, which was claimed by the opposition party.
