Jury Hears Allegations Against Kiama MP Gareth Ward
A jury has been presented with disturbing evidence in the trial of Gareth Ward, the state MP for Kiama, who faces charges of sexual intercourse without consent and indecent assault. The 44-year-old has pleaded not guilty to the allegations, which stem from incidents involving an 18-year-old man in February 2013.
Prosecutors allege that Ward invited the young man, who was intoxicated, to his home on the South Coast and proceeded to offer him numerous drinks before inappropriately touching him. During his emotional testimony, the complainant recounted that he had been in a playful mood and decided to play a prank by pretending to be passed out. However, the situation quickly escalated when Ward approached him.
The complainant described how Ward attempted to wake him before sliding his hands into the young man’s shorts and touching him inappropriately. As the encounter continued, the complainant became increasingly uncomfortable and frozen in shock, recalling the details vividly, including the sound and sensation of the situation.
Despite feeling overwhelmed and unsure of how to respond, the complainant opted not to confront Ward at that moment due to the awkwardness of the encounter. When he expressed a desire to go to bed, Ward insisted that he was too intoxicated to sleep alone and guided him towards his bedroom.
Once inside, the complainant alleged that Ward mounted him without consent and began massaging his lower back. Despite repeated requests for Ward to stop, the complainant found himself restrained, feeling powerless against Ward’s much heavier frame. He reported that he could only verbally plead for Ward to get off him.
In an effort to maintain his relationship with the MP, who later became the families minister, the complainant claimed he pretended that the incident never happened. In addition to this case, Ward has also been accused of assaulting a political staffer in a separate incident at NSW Parliament House in 2015. Ward was charged with these allegations in 2022.
As the trial progresses, the court is set to hear more from both the prosecution and defence regarding these serious charges. For anyone affected by similar issues, support services like 1800 RESPECT and the National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service are available.