“I am absolutely shattered with the result of the trial and have taken the opportunity over the last few days to spend time with those I love following the verdict,” Ward said.
“I am taking advice about next steps, but I can confirm that I have provided instructions to my legal team to prepare an appeal at the earliest opportunity.
“I take this opportunity to thank so many from across our community that have sent warm and caring messages of support to me and my family.”
The Kiama MP was convicted last week in the NSW District Court of sexual intercourse without consent and three indecent assaults.
The 44-year-old invited a drunk 18-year-old man, whom he met a year before, to his South Coast home in February 2013.
The man told the jury at trial Ward plied him with drinks before indecently assaulting him three times in one night, despite his attempts to resist.
The long-time MP sexually assaulted an intoxicated political staffer after a mid-week event at NSW Parliament House in 2015.
The man, who was 24 at the time but is now in his 30s, said Ward climbed into bed with him, groped his backside and sexually assaulted him despite him repeatedly saying “no”.
Judge Kara Shead on Wednesday ordered the politician be imprisoned before his sentence and denied Ward’s barrister’s request to keep his client on bail.
The judge declined to extend bail because of Ward’s poor eyesight and the need for technological vision aids as a result of his oculocutaneous albinism.
“I am unpersuaded that because of his public profile and because of his disability, the offender cannot be adequately managed in custody,” she said.
The 44-year-old will appear at a sentence hearing on September 19 by audiovisual link from jail.
Ward has held the Kiama electorate since 2011, winning three elections under the Liberal banner before securing the 2023 poll as an independent.
Readers seeking support can contact 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or the National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service on 1800 211 028.
In an emergency, dial Triple Zero (000).
