In a significant legal development, Gareth Ward, the Liberal MP for Kiama, is scheduled to stand trial in late May regarding five serious charges, including sexual intercourse without consent. The 44-year-old politician has pleaded not guilty to all allegations, which stem from events that allegedly took place in 2013 and 2015.
During a recent court session, it was revealed that Chris Stone, who has been the long-time director of the Liberal Party’s organisational wing in New South Wales, may be required to testify as a witness. Stone has been actively engaged in party campaigns since 2008; however, the specifics of his potential testimony were not disclosed to the court.
Ward has represented the Kiama electorate since 2011, successfully securing his position in three elections under the Liberal banner, including the most recent one, in which he ran as an independent. He faces charges related to alleged indecent assault on a 17-year-old at his South Coast residence and accusations of non-consensual intercourse with a man in his 20s in Sydney, both incidents reportedly occurring years prior.
As the trial approaches, the case continues to attract significant attention, highlighting the complexities surrounding legal proceedings involving public figures and the ongoing discussions regarding consent and sexual assault.