Previous Australian Public Figure Imprisoned for Above Half a Decade for Sexual Offenses
One-time public official convicted of sexually abusing two young men he met through professional activities received a sentence to nearly six years in jail.
Legal Proceedings
The defendant, 44, has been in custody since mid-year after a jury determined his guilt of attacking an individual and sexually abusing another, in separate incidents in 2013 then 2015.
The politician represented the coastal town of Kiama in the state parliament from 2011. He left his position as a government cabinet member when allegations came to light in 2021 but resisted resigning from parliament and won again in last year.
Judgment Information
The presiding officer the judicial figure took into account the defendant's condition of legal blindness in her sentence and concluded "no different consequence except for imprisonment would be suitable".
The defendant, who appeared via video-link at the courthouse, will complete at minimum three years and nine months in custody before he can seek parole.
The judge stated the judicial system needs to "deliver a strong warning to similar individuals that criminal acts like these will be subject to salutary penalties".
Case Background
She also said Ward had "escaped justice for a decade and lived freely without a treatment or consequence for his crimes during that period".
Following the verdict, Ward initiated a failed appeal attempt to remain in government and stepped down shortly before the members could oust him.
His legal team has indicated before he intends to contest the ruling.
Case Facts
The defendant's nine-week trial in the judicial venue was told that he brought a inebriated 18-year-old man to his home in the first incident and sexually abused him repeatedly, despite resistance attempts to fight back.
In 2015, he raped a young political staffer at his home after an event at the legislature.
Ward had maintained the later assault was fabricated, and that the additional accuser was misremembering their encounter from 2013.
However, prosecutors contended that significant resemblances in the statements of the victims, who had no connection to the other, showed they were being honest.
The panel deliberated for 72 hours before announcing the findings of guilt.
Ward's resignation caused a special election in the district in autumn, which was won by the opposition party.
