Former Kiama MP Gareth Ward has been sentenced to jail for sexual assaults against two young men in 2013 and 2015. Photo: Facebook.
CONTENT WARNING: This article refers to sexual assault.
Former Kiama MP Gareth Ward has been sentenced to five years and nine months imprisonment for a series of sexual assaults he committed in 2013 and 2015.
Judge Kara Shead said Ward “acted in a callous and predatory manner” towards his victims and the court needed to send a strong message to the community that sexual offences would not be tolerated, regardless of the offender’s standing in the community or political profile.
Ward will be eligible for parole after three years and nine months, backdated to when his bail was revoked in July.
He will be eligible for release from 29 April 2029.
Judge Shead said she found the victims’ accounts of what had happened to them “consistent and reliable” throughout the case.
She said their behaviour during and after the offences was consistent with common responses of victims of sexual assault and that it was important to remember that there is no typical way to respond to being sexually assaulted.
She found that both victims were guests in Ward’s home when he sexually assaulted them, and due to their existing professional relationships with Ward they should have been able to feel safe.
In relation to the most serious count against Ward, that he digitally raped one of his victims, Judge Shead said it was clear Ward knew his victim did not consent to sexual activity; that he knew he caused his victim physical pain and despite these factors he continued to pursue his own sexual gratification.
“[The victim] repeatedly, consistently communicated he did not consent by saying no, moving the offender off him and physically retreating,” Judge Shead said.
“To suggest any more forceful rejection was required for the offender to have clear knowledge of lack of consent is misconceived.
“The offender knew … and deliberately and callously inflicted sexual intercourse on the victim.
“He continued after the victim expressed discomfort and pain until he achieved sexual satisfaction.
“There was also a degree of humiliation.”
Judge Shead praised the victims for coming forward and enduring the lengthy and difficult court process.
She acknowledged the additional publicity and pressure the victims would have endured, and the ongoing effect it had on their life, alongside the consequences of the offending.
“This is a powerful reminder to the court of the devastating effects this type of offending has,” Judge Shead said.
“The courage and strength it takes to come forward, particularly when the offender is a prominent and powerful person, should not be understated.
“It has reached into every aspect of [the victim’s] life, and this is typical of what the court sees in the aftermath of this type of offending.
“Recognising the harm done to the victims has reverberated for more than a decade is an important part of sentencing.
“The Court hopes the victim can move forward and take back what was taken from him.”
If this story has raised any concerns for you, 1800RESPECT, the national 24-hour sexual assault, family and domestic violence counselling line, can be contacted on 1800 737 732, or Lifeline on 13 11 14. In an emergency, call Triple Zero.
Original Article published by Zoe Cartwright on Region Illawarra.
