🔗 Share this article Ex- Down Under Politician Sentenced for Above 60 Months for Criminal Acts Gareth Ward has been sentenced for 69 months for criminal acts of two victims An ex- Australian politician convicted of attacking two individuals he met through his position received a sentence to nearly six years in detention. Trial Information Gareth Ward, mid-forties, remained in jail since last summer after a jury determined his guilt of raping an individual and indecently assaulting a second person, in different occasions in 2013 then 2015. Ward served the coastal town of Kiama in the New South Wales parliament from the year 2011. He stepped down as a political party cabinet member when allegations surfaced in 2021 but resisted resigning from parliament and returned to office in 2023. Judgment Information Justice the judicial figure considered the defendant's condition of vision impairment in the ruling and determined "no alternative punishment except for detention would be suitable". The defendant, who participated via digital means at Parramatta District Court, will serve at minimum 45 months in detention before he can seek parole. The judge said the legal system needs to "deliver a strong warning to like-minded offenders that criminal acts such as this will be subject to serious punishments". Additional Information She also said Ward had "avoided punishment for multiple years and enjoyed a life free from a rehabilitation program or penalty for his crimes during that time". Post-trial, Ward attempted a unsuccessful appeal attempt to stay in parliament and resigned just prior to the congress could expel him. Defense attorneys has previously said he aims to challenge the guilty verdict. Case Facts Ward's lengthy proceedings in the state court heard that he invited a intoxicated young adult to his property in the first incident and indecently assaulted him repeatedly, despite the victim's efforts to resist. Two years later, he attacked a 24-year-old political staffer at his property after a gathering at the legislature. Ward had claimed the 2015 rape didn't happen, and that the first victim was inaccurate regarding their meeting from the first incident. But the prosecution argued that significant resemblances in the statements of the victims, who had no connection to the other, proved they were telling the truth. Court members considered for multiple days before returning the findings of guilt. His departure prompted a replacement vote in his constituency in last fall, which was claimed by the challenger.