The criminal trial of Kiama MP Gareth Ward faced a significant interruption on Thursday when a senior police witness allegedly failed to appear in court. The absence of the witness resulted in hours of delays, with remarks made by the individual suggesting a casual attitude towards the situation.
Gareth Ward, an independent member of the New South Wales Parliament, has been charged with multiple offenses, including three counts of assault with an act of indecency, an alternative charge of common assault against an 18-year-old man in 2013, and intercourse without consent against a 24-year-old man in Potts Point in 2015. Since his arrest in March 2022, the 43-year-old has consistently denied the allegations and pled not guilty to all charges.
The trial, which is currently in its seventh week at the Darlinghurst District Court, was presided over by Judge Kara Shead SC. All legal parties and a 13-member jury were present when proceedings were unexpectedly halted around 10:00 hours due to the non-appearance of the police witness called by Crown Prosecutor Monika Knowles.
The situation came to a head when the witness arrived at the court around 14:00 hours and was questioned by David Campbell SC about his failure to attend earlier in the day. The former officer acknowledged that he understood the requirement to be present but admitted, “no, he did not attend.” He later apologized for the inconvenience, citing prior commitments that prevented him from arriving on time.
“I certainly did not intend to be disrespectful or to disobey that order,” the witness stated. He claimed that he had communicated his unavailability to another officer, who he believed would inform the court on his behalf. The witness expressed willingness to obtain a medical certificate to verify his claims, mentioning he had been “quite unwell.”
During the questioning, Mr. Campbell brought to light a comment made by the witness, where he allegedly stated he was “happy to get arrested” and unable to reschedule his meetings. The witness acknowledged making such a comment but insisted that it was said in jest.
The trial has faced numerous delays since its commencement in May, which has frustrated many involved. The allegations against Ward first came to the attention of law enforcement in November 2020. It is claimed that he assaulted a man who had just turned 18 at the time of the incident at his South Coast home in February 2013. Additionally, he is accused of sexually assaulting a man aged 24 at his Potts Point apartment in September 2015.
Beginning his political career in 2011, Ward previously served as a councillor on the Shoalhaven Council before becoming the Liberal member for Kiama. He has maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings, and the trial continues with the expectation that the witness’s testimony will resume later in the day.
