Former Australian Lawmaker Sentenced for More Than Half a Decade for Criminal Acts
One-time Australian politician convicted of sexually abusing two victims he met through his position received a sentence to five years and nine months in prison.
Trial Information
Gareth Ward, mid-forties, remained in prison since mid-year after the court determined his guilt of attacking an individual and sexually abusing a second person, in multiple events in 2013 then 2015.
The politician represented the seaside community of the regional area in the state legislature from the year 2011. He left his position as a political party minister when the claims emerged in recent years but refused to quit his seat and returned to office in 2023.
Court Ruling
Justice the judicial figure considered the defendant's condition of vision impairment in the ruling and concluded "no different consequence other than imprisonment is appropriate".
Ward, who appeared via remote connection at the judicial venue, will serve at least nearly four years in detention before he can request early release.
The judge said the court needs to "issue a clear statement to potential criminals that sexual offendings such as this will be subject to significant consequences".
Case Background
The judge added the defendant had "escaped justice for multiple years and experienced freedom absent a rehabilitation program or penalty for the offenses during that period".
Post-trial, Ward launched a failed court challenge to continue in government and left office shortly before the congress could expel him.
Defense attorneys has stated earlier he plans to challenge the conviction.
Case Facts
Ward's lengthy proceedings in the judicial venue was told that he brought a intoxicated 18-year-old man to his property in the first incident and sexually abused him repeatedly, despite the victim's efforts to resist.
In 2015, he sexually assaulted a young political staffer at his home after an event at the legislature.
Ward had argued the second incident didn't happen, and that the other complainant was misremembering their meeting from the first incident.
The state's attorneys contended that notable parallels in the statements of the two men, who did not know each other, proved they were telling the truth.
The panel debated for three days before returning the convictions.
The political exit prompted a special election in Kiama in autumn, which was won by the Labor candidate.
