Previous Australian Public Figure Jailed for More Than 60 Months for Sex Crimes
A former Australian politician convicted of sexually abusing two young men encountered via professional activities was given to 69 months in prison.
Case Details
The defendant, mid-forties, was in jail since last summer after the court determined his guilt of attacking an individual and attacking another individual, in different occasions in 2013 then 2015.
The defendant served the seaside community of Kiama in the New South Wales legislature from over a decade ago. He left his position as a Liberal Party minister when accusations emerged in recent years but refused to quit the legislature and returned to office in 2023.
Court Ruling
Justice Kara Shead evaluated Ward's disability of sight disability in the ruling and found "no different consequence besides incarceration would be suitable".
Ward, who was present via video-link at Parramatta District Court, will complete at minimum nearly four years in custody before he can seek parole.
Justice Shead declared the judicial system needs to "deliver a strong warning to similar individuals that sexual offendings like these will be subject to significant consequences".
Case Background
The judge added the defendant had "avoided punishment for multiple years and enjoyed a life without a rehabilitation program or consequence for his crimes during those years".
After his conviction, the individual attempted a unsuccessful court challenge to stay in parliament and left office just prior to the members could expel him.
His legal team has stated earlier he intends to contest the conviction.
Case Facts
The defendant's extended court case in the state court was told that he brought a drunk 18-year-old man to his residence in 2013 and sexually abused him repeatedly, despite resistance attempts to fight back.
Two years later, he attacked a 24-year-old government employee at his residence after an event at parliament.
Ward had claimed the later assault never occurred, and that the other complainant was inaccurate regarding their encounter from the earlier year.
But the prosecution contended that notable parallels in the accounts of the two men, who were unacquainted with the other, showed they were telling the truth.
Court members considered for multiple days before returning the convictions.
Ward's resignation prompted a special election in the district in September, which was secured by the opposition party.
