UPDATE: Disgraced former NSW politician Gareth Ward faced sentencing today, October 9, 2023, at the Parramatta District Court after being found guilty of sexually abusing two young men. His defence team argues that he is unlikely to reoffend due to being “stripped of his power” and having publicly come out regarding his sexuality.
During the court session, Ward, 44, appeared via videolink, following his conviction in July for sexual intercourse without consent and three counts of indecent assault. The charges stemmed from incidents in 2013 and 2015 involving victims aged 18 and 24, whom he met through his role as a state politician.
Defence barrister David Campbell SC emphasized that Ward’s loss of political office has left him without the opportunity to offend again. He stated, “He has been stripped of his office… He has been publicly exposed,” asserting that this public scrutiny would deter future offenses.
However, Crown prosecutor Monika Knowles countered that Ward had provided no explanation for his actions, labeling it the “elephant in the room.” She highlighted the absence of evidence regarding any rehabilitation efforts on Ward’s part, such as attending counseling.
Judge Kara Shead is expected to deliver her judgment on October 29, 2023. Ward faces a maximum sentence of 14 years for sexual intercourse without consent and five years for indecent assault. He has consistently denied the allegations since being charged in March 2022.
The court heard emotional victim impact statements detailing the severe psychological effects on the victims, including depression and suicidal ideation. One victim described the trauma caused by the assault, stating, “I believe the assault and the way I felt I had to compartmentalize caused me significant trauma.”
Ward’s political career began in 2011 as a councillor on the Shoalhaven Council. He later became the Liberal member for Kiama, resigning from the ministry and the Liberal Party in May 2021 amid the police investigation. In 2023, he was elected as an independent but resigned from parliament on August 8, just before a vote on his expulsion.
As the case unfolds, the community awaits Judge Shead’s final ruling, which will determine Ward’s future and the implications of his actions on his victims and the broader public.
