Former Australian Public Figure Jailed for Above 60 Months for Criminal Acts
An ex- Australian politician convicted of attacking two victims connected through work was given to five years and nine months in detention.
Case Details
The former official, mid-forties, was in jail since mid-year after the court found him guilty of raping an individual and indecently assaulting another, in different occasions in over two years.
The politician served the seaside community of the regional area in the New South Wales legislature from the year 2011. He stepped down as a government cabinet member when accusations came to light in 2021 but declined to leave his seat and won again in 2023.
Court Ruling
Judge the court official took into account the defendant's condition of legal blindness in her sentence and determined "no different consequence other than incarceration could be considered".
The convicted individual, who was present via video-link at Parramatta District Court, will serve at least nearly four years in detention before he can apply for early release.
The judge stated the judicial system needs to "send a stern message to potential criminals that criminal acts of this nature will be met with serious punishments".
Additional Information
Additionally stated the convicted man had "evaded consequences for a decade and enjoyed a life absent a treatment or penalty for his crimes during that time".
After his conviction, the politician launched a unsuccessful court challenge to stay in parliament and left office shortly before the congress could remove him.
His legal team has stated earlier he intends to appeal the guilty verdict.
Case Facts
Ward's nine-week trial in the judicial venue was told that he brought a inebriated 18-year-old man to his property in 2013 and indecently assaulted him on multiple occasions, despite the victim's efforts to resist.
In 2015, he raped a mid-twenties political staffer at his residence after a gathering at government offices.
He had maintained the later assault didn't happen, and that the first victim was confused about their encounter from 2013.
The state's attorneys contended that striking similarities in the accounts of the two men, who were unacquainted with one another, showed they were telling the truth.
A jury deliberated for three days before returning the findings of guilt.
The political exit prompted a special election in the district in autumn, which was won by the opposition party.
