Previous Down Under Public Figure Jailed for Over 60 Months for Sex Crimes
One-time Australian politician found guilty of attacking two young men he met through work received a sentence to nearly six years in jail.
Trial Information
Gareth Ward, forty-four, has been in custody since July after judicial panel convicted him of raping a victim and sexually abusing a second person, in separate incidents in 2013 and 2015.
The politician served the coastal town of the regional area in the state legislature from over a decade ago. He stepped down as a government cabinet member when allegations emerged in 2021 but refused to quit the legislature and won again in 2023.
Judgment Information
Justice the court official considered the defendant's condition of vision impairment in the judgment and found "no alternative punishment other than imprisonment would be suitable".
The defendant, who participated via digital means at Parramatta District Court, will complete at no less than nearly four years in detention before he can request conditional freedom.
The court official stated the judicial system needs to "issue a clear statement to potential criminals that criminal acts of this nature will be faced with serious punishments".
Further Details
Additionally stated Ward had "evaded consequences for ten years and experienced freedom without a rehabilitation program or consequence for his crimes during that time".
Post-trial, Ward attempted a failed court challenge to continue in government and left office moments before the legislature could expel him.
His legal team has stated earlier he intends to challenge the ruling.
Case Facts
Ward's nine-week trial in the judicial venue learned that he brought a drunk 18-year-old man to his property in 2013 and attacked him three times, despite resistance attempts to oppose.
Two years later, he attacked a 24-year-old government employee at his home after an event at government offices.
He had claimed the later assault never occurred, and that the first victim was confused about their meeting from the earlier year.
But the prosecution maintained that significant resemblances in the statements of the individuals, who did not know one another, demonstrated they were accurate in their accounts.
Court members deliberated for three days before announcing the convictions.
Ward's resignation led to a by-election in the district in autumn, which was claimed by the opposition party.
