Gareth Ward, a former member of the New South Wales Legislative Assembly and ex-minister, has been sentenced to 5 years and 9 months in prison, with a non-parole period of 3 years and 9 months, after being found guilty of sexually abusing two young men. His offences occurred in 2013 and 2015 when he sexually assaulted one 18-year-old and a 24-year-old. (The Guardian)
The two victims admitted to turning to alcohol and drug to help cope with the trauma and frequent flashbacks they suffered as a result of Ward's molestation.
Ward’s conviction includes one count of sexual intercourse without consent and three counts of indecent assault. The sentencing judge described his actions as “callous and predatory”. (SBS Australia)
The sentence was backdated to July 2025, meaning Ward’s earliest possible release date would be April 2029. (The Guardian)
Justice Shead who presided on the case said the court needs to "send a stern message to like-minded offenders that sexual offendings such as this will be met with salutary penalties". (BBC)
She also said Ward had "escaped justice for a decade and enjoyed a life free from a programme or punishment for his crimes during that time". (BBC)
