🔗 Share this article Previous Down Under Lawmaker Sentenced for More Than 60 Months for Criminal Acts The former politician has become imprisoned for nearly six years for the sexual abuse of two men An ex- lawmaker sentenced of sexually abusing two individuals encountered via professional activities received a sentence to five years and nine months in jail. Legal Proceedings Gareth Ward, forty-four, has been in prison since July after judicial panel determined his guilt of raping an individual and attacking a second person, in different occasions in over two years. Ward served the seaside community of the district in the state government from the year 2011. He resigned as a political party minister when allegations surfaced in recent years but resisted resigning from his seat and was re-elected in 2023. Sentencing Details Judge Kara Shead considered the defendant's condition of vision impairment in her sentence and concluded "no alternative punishment except for imprisonment would be suitable". The convicted individual, who participated via remote connection at Parramatta District Court, will serve at no less than three years and nine months in custody before he can seek early release. Justice Shead said the judicial system needs to "send a stern message to potential criminals that illegal behaviors such as this will be met with serious punishments". Further Details The judge added the defendant had "evaded consequences for ten years and lived freely absent a treatment or punishment for the offenses during that time". After his conviction, the politician attempted a rejected court challenge to stay in parliament and stepped down shortly before the legislature could remove him. Representatives has indicated before he plans to contest the ruling. Trial Evidence The defendant's nine-week trial in the judicial venue learned that he brought a intoxicated 18-year-old man to his property in the first incident and attacked him on multiple occasions, despite resistance attempts to oppose. In 2015, he sexually assaulted a 24-year-old office worker at his residence after a gathering at government offices. The defendant had claimed the later assault was fabricated, and that the first victim was confused about their interaction from the earlier year. The state's attorneys argued that significant resemblances in the testimonies of the victims, who did not know each other, demonstrated they were being honest. The panel deliberated for multiple days before delivering the findings of guilt. The political exit led to a by-election in his constituency in last fall, which was claimed by the Labor candidate.