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This article contains references to sexual assault.
A disgraced former minister will spend years behind bars after facing court for the sexual abuse of two young male victims over a decade ago.
Former Kiama state MP Gareth Ward was found guilty of sexual intercourse without consent and three indecent assaults in July following a NSW District Court trial.
The 44-year-old’s acts were “deliberate and predatory”, Judge Kara Shead said during sentencing at Parramatta District Court in western Sydney on Friday.
In raping one of his victims, he was aware the 24-year-old man had voiced his non-consent, the judge said.
In court, she stated, “Despite being aware of the victim’s distress and agony, the perpetrator persisted in the sexual act until he reached his own gratification.”
The judge imposed a maximum sentence of five years and nine months.
Ward’s non-parole period of three years and nine months will expire on 29 April 2029.
The then-Liberal MP invited a drunk 18-year-old man to his home on the NSW south coast in February 2013 after hearing the teen was having troubles with his girlfriend.
They continued drinking before Ward indecently touched him on the grass outside and then straddled him on the bed in his bedroom.
“No, like I’m going to sleep. Get off,” the teen said while on the politician’s bed.
Ward replied: “No, relax. You know I’ll give you a massage.”
Two years later, Ward sexually assaulted an intoxicated political staffer at his own inner-city apartment after a mid-week event at NSW Parliament House.
The man, who was 24 at the time, said Ward climbed into bed with him, groped his backside and sexually assaulted him despite him repeatedly saying “no”.
He testified to the jury that he was uncomfortable and felt “a jolt kind of pain”.
After reports police were investigating sexual crime allegations in 2021, Ward was removed from his position as minister for families, communities and disability services and shifted to the crossbench.
His personal vote was so significant he was re-elected as an independent during the 2023 election despite the charges hanging over his head.
Ward resigned from his position in August, hours before a parliamentary expulsion vote was due to take place.
In doing so, he narrowly avoided becoming the fifth person expelled from NSW parliament in two centuries.
If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732, or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au. In an emergency, call 000.
Readers seeking crisis support can ring Lifeline on 13 11 14 or text 0477 13 11 14, the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467 and Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 (for young people aged up to 25). More information and support with mental health is available at beyondblue.org.au and on 1300 22 4636.
