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.
