Ex- Australian Public Figure Imprisoned for Over Five Years for Sexual Offenses
One-time lawmaker sentenced of assaulting two young men encountered via his position has been sentenced to 69 months in jail.
Legal Proceedings
The defendant, mid-forties, was in jail since mid-year after judicial panel found him guilty of raping a victim and attacking another individual, in different occasions in over two years.
The defendant served the seaside community of Kiama in the state parliament from 2011. He left his position as a Liberal Party official when the claims came to light in 2021 but declined to leave parliament and returned to office in 2023.
Court Ruling
Judge the judicial figure considered the defendant's condition of legal blindness in the ruling and found "no different consequence other than incarceration would be suitable".
The defendant, who appeared via remote connection at the judicial venue, will undergo at no less than 45 months in prison before he can request parole.
The court official said the judicial system needs to "deliver a strong warning to similar individuals that illegal behaviors like these will be subject to significant consequences".
Further Details
Additionally stated Ward had "evaded consequences for a decade and lived freely free from a treatment or penalty for his crimes during that time".
Following the verdict, Ward initiated a failed legal bid to remain in parliament and stepped down just prior to the members could expel him.
Defense attorneys has indicated before he aims to contest the guilty verdict.
Trial Evidence
The defendant's lengthy proceedings in the NSW District Court learned that he invited a inebriated teenager to his property in 2013 and attacked him repeatedly, despite the victim's efforts to oppose.
In 2015, he raped a mid-twenties office worker at his home after a gathering at the legislature.
Ward had claimed the 2015 rape never occurred, and that the first victim was confused about their encounter from the earlier year.
However, prosecutors contended that striking similarities in the accounts of the two men, who had no connection to one another, showed they were being honest.
Court members debated for three days before announcing the findings of guilt.
Ward's resignation led to a by-election in Kiama in last fall, which was secured by the challenger.
