Former Australian Public Figure Imprisoned for More Than Five Years for Sex Crimes

A former lawmaker found guilty of sexually abusing two victims he met through professional activities was given to 69 months in prison.

Trial Information

The former official, mid-forties, remained in prison since last summer after the court found him guilty of attacking a victim and indecently assaulting a second person, in different occasions in 2013 and 2015.

Ward acted for the seaside community of the regional area in the New South Wales parliament from 2011. He left his position as a political party cabinet member when allegations emerged in 2021 but refused to quit parliament and was re-elected in last year.

Sentencing Details

Justice the judicial figure considered his visual impairment of sight disability in her sentence and concluded "no other penalty except for detention is appropriate".

The convicted individual, who participated via remote connection at the judicial venue, will complete at minimum three years and nine months in detention before he can request parole.

The judge stated the court needs to "deliver a strong warning to like-minded offenders that illegal behaviors of this nature will be faced with serious punishments".

Case Background

Additionally stated Ward had "evaded consequences for a decade and experienced freedom free from a rehabilitation program or penalty for his crimes during that period".

After his conviction, the politician launched a rejected legal bid to stay in parliament and stepped down shortly before the legislature could remove him.

His legal team has indicated before he aims to challenge the ruling.

Case Facts

The defendant's extended court case in the NSW District Court was told that he asked a inebriated teenager to his residence in the first incident and indecently assaulted him three times, despite the victim's efforts to fight back.

Subsequently, he sexually assaulted a mid-twenties office worker at his property after an event at parliament.

Ward had claimed the 2015 rape never occurred, and that the additional accuser was inaccurate regarding their encounter from the earlier year.

However, prosecutors argued that significant resemblances in the accounts of the two men, who did not know one another, showed they were telling the truth.

Court members considered for multiple days before returning the guilty verdicts.

Ward's resignation prompted a by-election in Kiama in September, which was won by the Labor candidate.