Previous Australian Lawmaker Imprisoned for Above Five Years for Criminal Acts
One-time lawmaker found guilty of sexually abusing two victims encountered via professional activities was given to nearly six years in jail.
Legal Proceedings
Gareth Ward, mid-forties, was in custody since mid-year after a jury determined his guilt of raping one man and sexually abusing another, in separate incidents in 2013 and 2015.
The defendant acted for the seaside community of Kiama in the NSW parliament from 2011. He resigned as a political party minister when the claims surfaced in recent years but resisted resigning from parliament and returned to office in 2023.
Sentencing Details
Justice Kara Shead evaluated his visual impairment of legal blindness in the judgment and determined "no other penalty except for detention could be considered".
The defendant, who participated via remote connection at the judicial venue, will complete at minimum 45 months in prison before he can seek parole.
The court official said the court needs to "issue a clear statement to like-minded offenders that illegal behaviors of this nature will be subject to salutary penalties".
Further Details
The judge added the defendant had "avoided punishment for ten years and experienced freedom free from a treatment or consequence for his actions during that time".
After his conviction, the individual initiated a failed court challenge to remain in his position and left office moments before the members could oust him.
Representatives has previously said he aims to challenge the ruling.
Case Facts
The defendant's lengthy proceedings in the NSW District Court learned that he brought a drunk 18-year-old man to his residence in 2013 and sexually abused him three times, despite resistance attempts to fight back.
Two years later, he sexually assaulted a mid-twenties office worker at his home after a function at parliament.
The defendant had claimed the second incident never occurred, and that the other complainant was inaccurate regarding their interaction from the earlier year.
However, prosecutors contended that notable parallels in the statements of the victims, who were unacquainted with one another, showed they were being honest.
Court members considered for multiple days before announcing the findings of guilt.
Ward's resignation caused a by-election in the district in September, which was secured by the challenger.
