Former Down Under Public Figure Jailed for Over Five Years for Sexual Offenses
An ex- Australian politician found guilty of attacking two victims he met through professional activities was given to five years and nine months in prison.
Legal Proceedings
The former official, 44, has been in prison since last summer after a jury determined his guilt of raping a victim and sexually abusing a second person, in separate incidents in over two years.
The politician represented the seaside community of the district in the NSW legislature from the year 2011. He stepped down as a political party official when accusations emerged in recent years but resisted resigning from the legislature and returned to office in 2023.
Court Ruling
Justice Kara Shead took into account Ward's disability of sight disability in her sentence and found "no alternative punishment besides incarceration could be considered".
Ward, who was present via video-link at the judicial venue, will undergo at no less than 45 months in prison before he can seek early release.
The judge declared the legal system needs to "issue a clear statement to similar individuals that criminal acts like these will be met with significant consequences".
Case Background
The judge added Ward had "avoided punishment for multiple years and enjoyed a life free from a treatment or penalty for the offenses during that time".
Following the verdict, the individual launched a failed appeal attempt to remain in government and stepped down just prior to the congress could oust him.
Defense attorneys has stated earlier he intends to contest the ruling.
Incident Details
Ward's lengthy proceedings in the judicial venue learned that he brought a inebriated 18-year-old man to his home in 2013 and attacked him repeatedly, despite resistance attempts to fight back.
Two years later, he sexually assaulted a young office worker at his home after a gathering at the legislature.
Ward had argued the second incident never occurred, and that the other complainant was confused about their interaction from the earlier year.
The state's attorneys contended that significant resemblances in the accounts of the individuals, who were unacquainted with each other, proved they were telling the truth.
A jury considered for 72 hours before returning the convictions.
Ward's resignation caused a by-election in the district in autumn, which was secured by the Labor candidate.