Former Down Under Public Figure Sentenced for Above Five Years for Criminal Acts
One-time lawmaker found guilty of attacking two young men encountered via professional activities was given to five years and nine months in jail.
Trial Information
The former official, forty-four, was in jail since last summer after the court determined his guilt of raping a victim and indecently assaulting a second person, in different occasions in 2013 then 2015.
The defendant served the seaside community of the regional area in the state parliament from the year 2011. He resigned as a political party cabinet member when allegations emerged in recent years but refused to quit his seat and was re-elected in last year.
Court Ruling
The presiding officer the judicial figure evaluated Ward's disability of legal blindness in the ruling and concluded "no alternative punishment other than detention could be considered".
Ward, who appeared via digital means at the judicial venue, will undergo at least nearly four years in detention before he can apply for conditional freedom.
The judge declared the legal system needs to "send a stern message to like-minded offenders that illegal behaviors like these will be subject to significant consequences".
Additional Information
She also said the defendant had "evaded consequences for ten years and enjoyed a life free from a treatment or punishment for the offenses during that period".
Following the verdict, Ward attempted a rejected appeal attempt to remain in government and resigned moments before the congress could expel him.
Defense attorneys has indicated before he aims to challenge the guilty verdict.
Trial Evidence
His lengthy proceedings in the NSW District Court heard that he asked a inebriated teenager to his residence in the first incident and sexually abused him repeatedly, despite the victim's efforts to fight back.
Subsequently, he attacked a young government employee at his home after an event at government offices.
The defendant had maintained the later assault didn't happen, and that the additional accuser was confused about their encounter from the earlier year.
The state's attorneys contended that significant resemblances in the statements of the individuals, who had no connection to one another, showed they were telling the truth.
A jury debated for three days before delivering the findings of guilt.
His departure caused a by-election in the district in last fall, which was claimed by the challenger.
