NSW Politician Found Guilty of Sexually Assaulting Young Men

NSW politician Gareth Ward has been found guilty of sexually assaulting two young men after inviting them to his home. The verdict comes after a nine-week trial at Darlinghurst District Court, where Ward was charged with four counts, including sexual intercourse without consent and indecent assault. The jury deliberated for three days before reaching a verdict, acquitting Ward on a fifth count of common assault.

Key Takeaways:

Gareth Ward, the 44-year-old independent MP for Kiama, has been found guilty of four counts of sexual assault against two young men.
Ward was charged with sexual intercourse without consent against a 24-year-old political staffer and indecently assaulting an 18-year-old at his home in Meroo Meadow in 2013.
The jury heard 35 days of evidence, legal argument, and cross-examination before deliberating for three days.
Ward pleaded not guilty to all counts and had vehemently denied the offences since being charged in March 2022.
The prosecution sought a detention application to take Ward into custody, which will be heard on Wednesday.
Ward's trial experienced several delays, including one caused by a burst water main which flooded the Downing Centre courthouse.
Ward was elected to the seat of Kiama as an independent in 2023, narrowly winning against Labor's Katelin McInerney.

Statistics:

9 weeks: The duration of Ward's trial at Darlinghurst District Court.
35 days: The amount of time the jury heard evidence, legal argument, and cross-examination.
3 days: The duration of the jury's deliberation.
4 counts: The number of charges Ward was found guilty of.
2 young men: The victims of Ward's alleged assaults.
2021: The year Ward identified himself as being under police investigation before resigning from the Liberal Party and the ministry.

Sources:

"NSW politician found guilty of sexually assaulting young men after inviting them to his home". Byline: Grace Crivellaro
NSW Liberal Party Leader Mark Speakman