A jury in New South Wales has convicted Gareth Ward, a 44-year-old politician, of three counts of indecent assault and one count of rape, stemming from incidents involving two young men he met through political networks. The assaults occurred at his home between 2013 and 2015. Ward, who has remained in parliament despite resigning from his ministerial position in 2021, was re-elected as the representative for Kiama in 2023. Prosecutors presented compelling evidence, including similar testimonies from both victims, while Ward maintained that the incidents did not occur as described. The court is expected to issue a sentencing later this year.
Gareth Ward Convicted of Rape and Sexual Assault in NSW Court
Gareth Ward Convicted of Rape and Sexual Assault in NSW Court
Gareth Ward, a sitting New South Wales politician, has been found guilty of multiple sexual offenses, including rape, against two young men.
Ward faces sentencing after being found guilty of rape and indecent assault against two young men.
The New South Wales District Court jury reached their verdict after nine weeks of testimony and three days of deliberation. The allegations date back to 2013 and 2015, involving a drunken encounter with an 18-year-old and the rape of a political staffer. Witnesses indicated that Ward’s behavior was eerily similar in both cases, despite his claims that the victims had misremembered the events. Crown prosecutor Monika Knowles emphasized that the victims, who did not know each other, shared strikingly similar accounts, indicating the authenticity of their testimonies.
Despite the serious nature of the allegations, Ward has resisted calls to resign from parliament, remaining in his position amidst ongoing legal proceedings. The New South Wales government previously considered expelling Ward but opted to refrain from taking action while the trial was pending, to avoid the risk of prejudicing the legal process. Ward is expected back in court for sentencing later this year, as the legal consequences of his actions unfold.
The New South Wales District Court jury reached their verdict after nine weeks of testimony and three days of deliberation. The allegations date back to 2013 and 2015, involving a drunken encounter with an 18-year-old and the rape of a political staffer. Witnesses indicated that Ward’s behavior was eerily similar in both cases, despite his claims that the victims had misremembered the events. Crown prosecutor Monika Knowles emphasized that the victims, who did not know each other, shared strikingly similar accounts, indicating the authenticity of their testimonies.
Despite the serious nature of the allegations, Ward has resisted calls to resign from parliament, remaining in his position amidst ongoing legal proceedings. The New South Wales government previously considered expelling Ward but opted to refrain from taking action while the trial was pending, to avoid the risk of prejudicing the legal process. Ward is expected back in court for sentencing later this year, as the legal consequences of his actions unfold.
