Previous Australian Politician Imprisoned for Above Five Years for Sex Crimes

An ex- lawmaker convicted of sexually abusing two young men encountered via professional activities received a sentence to five years and nine months in detention.

Legal Proceedings

The former official, 44, has been in jail since mid-year after judicial panel convicted him of attacking a victim and sexually abusing a second person, in different occasions in over two years.

The defendant represented the oceanfront municipality of the district in the NSW government from over a decade ago. He left his position as a Liberal Party cabinet member when allegations emerged in 2021 but declined to leave the legislature and returned to office in 2023.

Judgment Information

Justice Kara Shead took into account the defendant's condition of sight disability in the ruling and concluded "no alternative punishment other than detention would be suitable".

The defendant, who was present via remote connection at the courthouse, will serve at no less than three years and nine months in detention before he can seek parole.

The court official stated the legal system needs to "deliver a strong warning to potential criminals that illegal behaviors like these will be faced with serious punishments".

Additional Information

Additionally stated the convicted man had "evaded consequences for a decade and enjoyed a life without a programme or punishment for his crimes during those years".

After his conviction, the individual launched a failed legal bid to continue in government and left office moments before the legislature could expel him.

Representatives has previously said he intends to challenge the guilty verdict.

Trial Evidence

Ward's extended court case in the judicial venue learned that he brought a intoxicated teenager to his property in 2013 and sexually abused him three times, despite resistance attempts to oppose.

Subsequently, he attacked a 24-year-old government employee at his residence after an event at government offices.

Ward had claimed the second incident was fabricated, and that the additional accuser was confused about their encounter from the first incident.

However, prosecutors contended that significant resemblances in the accounts of the individuals, who did not know the other, showed they were telling the truth.

The panel deliberated for multiple days before delivering the guilty verdicts.

The political exit led to a special election in the district in September, which was claimed by the opposition party.