🔗 Share this article Previous Australian Public Figure Sentenced for Above Five Years for Criminal Acts The convicted individual was imprisoned for nearly six years for criminal acts of two men One-time Australian politician found guilty of sexually abusing two victims connected through professional activities received a sentence to five years and nine months in detention. Legal Proceedings The former official, mid-forties, has been in jail since mid-year after judicial panel determined his guilt of sexually assaulting one man and sexually abusing another, in multiple events in 2013 and 2015. The politician acted for the coastal town of the district in the New South Wales parliament from 2011. He stepped down as a political party cabinet member when the claims came to light in 2021 but resisted resigning from the legislature and was re-elected in 2023. Sentencing Details The presiding officer the court official considered his visual impairment of sight disability in her sentence and determined "no other penalty other than imprisonment would be suitable". The convicted individual, who participated via remote connection at Parramatta District Court, will serve at least nearly four years in detention before he can seek parole. The court official stated the judicial system needs to "deliver a strong warning to similar individuals that sexual offendings of this nature will be met with significant consequences". Additional Information The judge added the convicted man had "evaded consequences for ten years and experienced freedom without a treatment or penalty for the offenses during that time". After his conviction, the individual attempted a failed legal bid to continue in government and resigned shortly before the legislature could remove him. Defense attorneys has indicated before he aims to challenge the conviction. Trial Evidence Ward's nine-week trial in the NSW District Court learned that he brought a drunk 18-year-old man to his residence in 2013 and indecently assaulted him on multiple occasions, despite the victim's efforts to oppose. Subsequently, he sexually assaulted a mid-twenties office worker at his residence after a function at government offices. Ward had claimed the second incident was fabricated, and that the first victim was misremembering their interaction from the earlier year. The state's attorneys maintained that notable parallels in the testimonies of the two men, who were unacquainted with one another, demonstrated they were telling the truth. Court members deliberated for 72 hours before delivering the findings of guilt. Ward's resignation led to a replacement vote in the district in September, which was won by the Labor candidate.