🔗 Share this article Former Down Under Politician Jailed for Above 60 Months for Sex Crimes The convicted individual was imprisoned for five years and nine months for sexual assaults of two individuals A former lawmaker convicted of attacking two young men encountered via work was given to five years and nine months in detention. Trial Information Gareth Ward, 44, remained in custody since mid-year after judicial panel convicted him of sexually assaulting an individual and attacking a second person, in multiple events in over two years. The politician served the coastal town of the regional area in the state government from over a decade ago. He resigned as a political party official when allegations emerged in recent years but resisted resigning from the legislature and was re-elected in 2023. Court Ruling The presiding officer Kara Shead evaluated Ward's disability of sight disability in the judgment and determined "no other penalty except for imprisonment would be suitable". Ward, who was present via digital means at Parramatta District Court, will serve at least 45 months in detention before he can request conditional freedom. Justice Shead said the court needs to "deliver a strong warning to potential criminals that illegal behaviors such as this will be faced with significant consequences". Case Background Additionally stated the convicted man had "avoided punishment for a decade and enjoyed a life free from a treatment or consequence for the offenses during that period". Post-trial, Ward initiated a failed legal bid to remain in parliament and resigned shortly before the legislature could remove him. Defense attorneys has stated earlier he plans to contest the ruling. Trial Evidence The defendant's lengthy proceedings in the state court learned that he brought a drunk teenager to his residence in the first incident and attacked him on multiple occasions, despite resistance attempts to fight back. Subsequently, he attacked a young office worker at his property after a gathering at the legislature. Ward had claimed the second incident never occurred, and that the other complainant was confused about their interaction from 2013. But the prosecution contended that notable parallels in the statements of the two men, who were unacquainted with each other, demonstrated they were telling the truth. A jury debated for three days before returning the guilty verdicts. His departure prompted a special election in Kiama in September, which was secured by the challenger.