Former Australian Public Figure Imprisoned for Above 60 Months for Sex Crimes
A former Australian politician found guilty of assaulting two young men connected through his position was given to five years and nine months in jail.
Case Details
Gareth Ward, forty-four, has been in custody since July after judicial panel convicted him of attacking a victim and indecently assaulting another, in separate incidents in 2013 then 2015.
Ward served the coastal town of the district in the state government from over a decade ago. He left his position as a Liberal Party minister when allegations emerged in 2021 but declined to leave his seat and was re-elected in 2023.
Sentencing Details
Justice the judicial figure evaluated Ward's disability of vision impairment in the judgment and determined "no alternative punishment other than detention could be considered".
The convicted individual, who participated via digital means at the courthouse, will serve at no less than nearly four years in prison before he can seek early release.
Justice Shead stated the court needs to "issue a clear statement to similar individuals that sexual offendings such as this will be subject to significant consequences".
Case Background
The judge added Ward had "avoided punishment for multiple years and experienced freedom without a programme or consequence for the offenses during that period".
Post-trial, Ward launched a failed legal bid to stay in government and stepped down moments before the congress could expel him.
Representatives has stated earlier he plans to challenge the conviction.
Incident Details
The defendant's lengthy proceedings in the NSW District Court heard that he invited a drunk young adult to his residence in 2013 and attacked him repeatedly, despite his attempts to fight back.
In 2015, he attacked a mid-twenties political staffer at his home after a gathering at the legislature.
He had claimed the later assault didn't happen, and that the other complainant was inaccurate regarding their interaction from 2013.
However, prosecutors contended that notable parallels in the statements of the victims, who did not know the other, showed they were being honest.
Court members debated for 72 hours before announcing the convictions.
His departure prompted a by-election in the district in last fall, which was secured by the challenger.
