Previous Australian Politician Imprisoned for More Than 60 Months for Sex Crimes

One-time lawmaker found guilty of attacking two victims encountered via professional activities received a sentence to 69 months in detention.

Case Details

The defendant, 44, has been in jail since last summer after judicial panel convicted him of raping one man and indecently assaulting another individual, in multiple events in 2013 and 2015.

The politician acted for the seaside community of Kiama in the state parliament from over a decade ago. He stepped down as a government official when the claims surfaced in recent years but resisted resigning from parliament and returned to office in 2023.

Court Ruling

Judge the court official considered the defendant's condition of vision impairment in the judgment and found "no alternative punishment besides incarceration is appropriate".

The convicted individual, who participated via digital means at Parramatta District Court, will undergo at minimum nearly four years in custody before he can apply for conditional freedom.

The judge stated the judicial system needs to "deliver a strong warning to potential criminals that sexual offendings such as this will be faced with serious punishments".

Further Details

She also said Ward had "evaded consequences for ten years and experienced freedom absent a programme or penalty for his crimes during that time".

Post-trial, Ward launched a unsuccessful appeal attempt to stay in government and resigned shortly before the congress could expel him.

Defense attorneys has stated earlier he plans to contest the ruling.

Incident Details

His lengthy proceedings in the state court was told that he brought a drunk young adult to his residence in 2013 and sexually abused him repeatedly, despite the victim's efforts to oppose.

In 2015, he attacked a young office worker at his home after a gathering at the legislature.

Ward had maintained the second incident didn't happen, and that the first victim was confused about their interaction from the first incident.

However, prosecutors contended that notable parallels in the testimonies of the individuals, who had no connection to the other, showed they were being honest.

The panel deliberated for three days before returning the findings of guilt.

The political exit prompted a special election in the district in last fall, which was won by the Labor candidate.