Former Australian Politician Jailed for Over Five Years for Sexual Offenses
A former Australian politician found guilty of attacking two young men he met through professional activities was given to 69 months in prison.
Trial Information
The former official, mid-forties, remained in prison since mid-year after the court convicted him of attacking a victim and attacking another individual, in multiple events in over two years.
The politician acted for the oceanfront municipality of the regional area in the state legislature from the year 2011. He resigned as a Liberal Party official when allegations came to light in 2021 but refused to quit the legislature and returned to office in 2023.
Court Ruling
Judge the judicial figure took into account the defendant's condition of vision impairment in the ruling and determined "no other penalty except for incarceration is appropriate".
The convicted individual, who was present via video-link at Parramatta District Court, will undergo at minimum 45 months in prison before he can request conditional freedom.
The judge declared the court needs to "issue a clear statement to potential criminals that criminal acts such as this will be met with serious punishments".
Additional Information
Additionally stated the defendant had "escaped justice for a decade and enjoyed a life without a rehabilitation program or penalty for the offenses during those years".
Following the verdict, the politician launched a unsuccessful legal bid to remain in his position and stepped down just prior to the congress could expel him.
His legal team has stated earlier he intends to challenge the conviction.
Incident Details
Ward's extended court case in the state court heard that he invited a drunk teenager to his home in 2013 and indecently assaulted him on multiple occasions, despite his attempts to oppose.
Two years later, he sexually assaulted a mid-twenties political staffer at his residence after a gathering at parliament.
The defendant had maintained the second incident was fabricated, and that the other complainant was inaccurate regarding their meeting from the first incident.
But the prosecution contended that striking similarities in the statements of the two men, who had no connection to the other, proved they were telling the truth.
Court members deliberated for 72 hours before delivering the findings of guilt.
His departure prompted a special election in Kiama in autumn, which was secured by the opposition party.
