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An ex- Australian politician convicted of sexually abusing two young men he met through professional activities has been sentenced to 69 months in jail.

Case Details

Gareth Ward, mid-forties, has been in prison since mid-year after a jury found him guilty of raping an individual and sexually abusing another individual, in multiple events in 2013 and 2015.

The politician served the seaside community of Kiama in the state government from over a decade ago. He stepped down as a political party official when allegations came to light in recent years but declined to leave the legislature and won again in last year.

Court Ruling

The presiding officer Kara Shead considered his visual impairment of legal blindness in her sentence and determined "no alternative punishment other than detention could be considered".

The defendant, who was present via remote connection at Parramatta District Court, will undergo at no less than three years and nine months in custody before he can seek early release.

The court official said the legal system needs to "deliver a strong warning to like-minded offenders that sexual offendings like these will be met with serious punishments".

Further Details

She also said the defendant had "evaded consequences for ten years and lived freely free from a programme or consequence for his crimes during that period".

Following the verdict, Ward launched a rejected court challenge to stay in his position and stepped down moments before the congress could expel him.

His legal team has stated earlier he intends to contest the ruling.

Trial Evidence

The defendant's nine-week trial in the NSW District Court heard that he invited a drunk young adult to his residence in 2013 and indecently assaulted him on multiple occasions, despite his attempts to fight back.

Subsequently, he raped a 24-year-old office worker at his residence after a function at the legislature.

Ward had argued the second incident didn't happen, and that the other complainant was misremembering their encounter from the first incident.

The state's attorneys contended that significant resemblances in the testimonies of the individuals, who were unacquainted with one another, proved they were being honest.

The panel deliberated for three days before returning the convictions.

Ward's resignation caused a replacement vote in his constituency in September, which was secured by the opposition party.