Previous Australian Politician Sentenced for More Than Half a Decade for Sexual Offenses
One-time lawmaker found guilty of assaulting two victims he met through his position was given to five years and nine months in prison.
Legal Proceedings
The former official, forty-four, remained in prison since mid-year after the court determined his guilt of raping one man and indecently assaulting another, in multiple events in 2013 then 2015.
Ward served the coastal town of the regional area in the NSW parliament from the year 2011. He stepped down as a political party cabinet member when allegations emerged in recent years but resisted resigning from his seat and won again in 2023.
Court Ruling
Justice the judicial figure took into account his visual impairment of sight disability in the judgment and found "no different consequence besides detention would be suitable".
Ward, who participated via remote connection at the courthouse, will serve at least 45 months in detention before he can seek parole.
The court official declared the judicial system needs to "deliver a strong warning to similar individuals that sexual offendings of this nature will be faced with significant consequences".
Additional Information
Additionally stated Ward had "escaped justice for ten years and experienced freedom absent a programme or penalty for the offenses during that period".
After his conviction, Ward launched a unsuccessful court challenge to remain in his position and stepped down just prior to the members could expel him.
Defense attorneys has stated earlier he intends to challenge the ruling.
Trial Evidence
Ward's extended court case in the judicial venue learned that he brought a intoxicated teenager to his home in 2013 and sexually abused him three times, despite his attempts to fight back.
In 2015, he attacked a young office worker at his residence after a gathering at government offices.
He had maintained the later assault never occurred, and that the additional accuser was confused about their meeting from the first incident.
However, prosecutors argued that notable parallels in the statements of the victims, who were unacquainted with the other, showed they were telling the truth.
Court members deliberated for multiple days before delivering the guilty verdicts.
His departure prompted a special election in his constituency in last fall, which was won by the challenger.
