Gareth Ward, a politician from New South Wales, was found guilty of sexual assault and rape following a prolonged trial. The jury's verdict came after extensive testimony regarding assaults on two men, aged 18 and 24, that took place in his home. Despite resigning from his ministerial role and leaving the Liberal Party amidst the allegations in 2021, Ward continued to serve in parliament and won re-election in Kiama in 2023. Prosecutorial arguments highlighted striking similarities in the victims’ accounts, reinforcing their credibility. Ward's sentencing hearing is set for later this year as discussions arise about potential expulsion from the parliament.
Gareth Ward, NSW Politician, Found Guilty of Rape
Gareth Ward, NSW Politician, Found Guilty of Rape
Gareth Ward, a member of the New South Wales parliament, has been convicted of multiple sexual assaults, including rape, against two young men.
A jury in New South Wales has convicted Gareth Ward, a sitting parliament member, for indecent assault and rape, marking a significant legal outcome following multiple allegations against him. The incidents reportedly occurred between 2013 and 2015. Despite his resignation from the Liberal Party and as a state minister in 2021, Ward maintained his parliamentary position and was re-elected in 2023. Evidence presented over nine weeks revealed a pattern of assault, prompting the court to find him guilty after three days of deliberation. Ward is scheduled for sentencing later this year.
