🔗 Share this article Ex- Down Under Politician Sentenced for Above 60 Months for Sexual Offenses The convicted individual was imprisoned for five years and nine months for the sexual abuse of two victims One-time lawmaker found guilty of attacking two victims connected through his position received a sentence to nearly six years in detention. Case Details The defendant, mid-forties, remained in prison since last summer after the court determined his guilt of raping a victim and attacking another individual, in separate incidents in 2013 then 2015. The defendant served the coastal town of the regional area in the New South Wales legislature from the year 2011. He left his position as a Liberal Party cabinet member when allegations came to light in 2021 but refused to quit the legislature and won again in 2023. Court Ruling Justice the judicial figure considered his visual impairment of sight disability in her sentence and found "no alternative punishment except for detention could be considered". Ward, who appeared via remote connection at the courthouse, will serve at minimum three years and nine months in prison before he can request conditional freedom. Justice Shead said the judicial system needs to "deliver a strong warning to similar individuals that criminal acts of this nature will be met with salutary penalties". Additional Information The judge added Ward had "avoided punishment for multiple years and enjoyed a life absent a programme or consequence for his crimes during that period". After his conviction, Ward launched a rejected legal bid to continue in his position and left office moments before the legislature could expel him. Defense attorneys has stated earlier he intends to challenge the conviction. Incident Details The defendant's lengthy proceedings in the NSW District Court was told that he brought a drunk young adult to his residence in 2013 and attacked him three times, despite the victim's efforts to fight back. In 2015, he attacked a 24-year-old office worker at his property after a function at parliament. The defendant had claimed the later assault was fabricated, and that the other complainant was confused about their encounter from the earlier year. The state's attorneys maintained that striking similarities in the testimonies of the victims, who did not know each other, demonstrated they were accurate in their accounts. The panel deliberated for 72 hours before delivering the convictions. His departure prompted a special election in his constituency in last fall, which was won by the challenger.