Previous Down Under Politician Imprisoned for More Than 60 Months for Criminal Acts
One-time public official found guilty of attacking two individuals connected through professional activities received a sentence to five years and nine months in prison.
Case Details
The defendant, 44, has been in prison since mid-year after judicial panel determined his guilt of raping an individual and sexually abusing a second person, in different occasions in 2013 and 2015.
The politician represented the seaside community of the regional area in the state legislature from over a decade ago. He stepped down as a political party minister when accusations came to light in 2021 but refused to quit his seat and was re-elected in 2023.
Sentencing Details
Justice Kara Shead took into account his visual impairment of vision impairment in the ruling and found "no alternative punishment except for incarceration could be considered".
The convicted individual, who participated via video-link at the courthouse, will serve at least nearly four years in custody before he can request conditional freedom.
Justice Shead stated the court needs to "issue a clear statement to similar individuals that sexual offendings of this nature will be met with salutary penalties".
Additional Information
The judge added Ward had "escaped justice for ten years and experienced freedom without a rehabilitation program or punishment for his crimes during those years".
Post-trial, Ward attempted a rejected court challenge to continue in government and resigned shortly before the members could remove him.
His legal team has previously said he aims to appeal the ruling.
Case Facts
His lengthy proceedings in the judicial venue learned that he invited a drunk 18-year-old man to his home in 2013 and sexually abused him three times, despite the victim's efforts to fight back.
In 2015, he attacked a young government employee at his residence after a gathering at the legislature.
Ward had maintained the later assault was fabricated, and that the additional accuser was confused about their meeting from the earlier year.
The state's attorneys contended that significant resemblances in the accounts of the two men, who were unacquainted with the other, proved they were being honest.
The panel deliberated for 72 hours before returning the findings of guilt.
His departure led to a replacement vote in the district in autumn, which was won by the challenger.
