One-time lawmaker sentenced of attacking two victims connected through professional activities received a sentence to nearly six years in prison.
Case Details
The defendant, mid-forties, has been in custody since last summer after judicial panel found him guilty of sexually assaulting an individual and attacking another, in separate incidents in 2013 and 2015.
The politician served the seaside community of the regional area in the New South Wales parliament from 2011. He stepped down as a government official when accusations came to light in 2021 but refused to quit parliament and returned to office in 2023.
Court Ruling
Justice Kara Shead considered his visual impairment of vision impairment in her sentence and concluded "no different consequence other than imprisonment would be suitable".
The defendant, who participated via video-link at the judicial venue, will undergo at minimum three years and nine months in custody before he can seek early release.
The court official stated the judicial system needs to "deliver a strong warning to like-minded offenders that illegal behaviors such as this will be faced with serious punishments".
Further Details
Additionally stated Ward had "evaded consequences for multiple years and enjoyed a life free from a programme or punishment for his actions during that time".
After his conviction, the politician attempted a rejected legal bid to stay in parliament and left office just prior to the members could expel him.
His legal team has previously said he plans to challenge the guilty verdict.
Trial Evidence
The defendant's nine-week trial in the NSW District Court was told that he invited a inebriated young adult to his property in 2013 and attacked him repeatedly, despite resistance attempts to fight back.
In 2015, he attacked a young political staffer at his home after an event at the legislature.
Ward had claimed the second incident didn't happen, and that the other complainant was inaccurate regarding their encounter from the first incident.
However, prosecutors contended that striking similarities in the accounts of the two men, who were unacquainted with the other, showed they were being honest.
The panel considered for multiple days before returning the convictions.
The political exit prompted a by-election in his constituency in autumn, which was secured by the Labor candidate.
