Previous Australian Politician Jailed for Above Half a Decade for Sex Crimes
One-time Australian politician sentenced of attacking two young men connected through professional activities was given to nearly six years in prison.
Legal Proceedings
Gareth Ward, mid-forties, remained in jail since last summer after the court determined his guilt of attacking an individual and sexually abusing another, in multiple events in 2013 and 2015.
Ward served the seaside community of the regional area in the state government from 2011. He stepped down as a political party official when accusations surfaced in recent years but resisted resigning from parliament and returned to office in 2023.
Court Ruling
Justice the judicial figure evaluated his visual impairment of sight disability in the ruling and determined "no alternative punishment besides detention could be considered".
The convicted individual, who participated via video-link at the courthouse, will serve at no less than 45 months in detention before he can apply for early release.
The court official said the judicial system needs to "send a stern message to like-minded offenders that sexual offendings of this nature will be subject to significant consequences".
Case Background
Additionally stated Ward had "avoided punishment for ten years and enjoyed a life absent a programme or penalty for the offenses during that time".
After his conviction, the politician attempted a rejected court challenge to remain in parliament and stepped down shortly before the legislature could expel him.
Representatives has previously said he plans to challenge the conviction.
Case Facts
Ward's nine-week trial in the state court was told that he brought a intoxicated 18-year-old man to his home in 2013 and sexually abused him three times, despite his attempts to resist.
Subsequently, he sexually assaulted a young political staffer at his property after a function at the legislature.
He had claimed the later assault was fabricated, and that the other complainant was confused about their interaction from 2013.
But the prosecution contended that notable parallels in the testimonies of the individuals, who had no connection to the other, demonstrated they were accurate in their accounts.
A jury considered for 72 hours before delivering the convictions.
His departure caused a replacement vote in his constituency in autumn, which was won by the Labor candidate.
