During the ongoing trial of Kiama MP Gareth Ward, the jury has been urged to believe two men who allege they were assaulted by him, citing striking similarities in their testimonies. The allegations include an incident involving an 18-year-old man, who was 17 at the time, who claims Ward invited him to his South Coast residence in February 2013. The complainant testified that Ward had been giving him drinks before allegedly committing multiple indecent assaults that night, even as the young man attempted to resist.
In a separate incident from 2015, a 24-year-old political staffer alleges that Ward attacked him after a mid-week event at NSW Parliament House. The staffer claims that, despite stating “no” repeatedly, Ward groped him and assaulted him after climbing into bed with him.
Crown prosecutor Monika Knowles presented the jury with the argument that the similarities in both stories indicate they cannot be mere coincidence. Despite the complainants not knowing each other, both described a significant power imbalance in their relationships with Ward. They expressed admiration for Ward’s political contributions, highlighting their emotional vulnerability and intoxication at the time of the incidents when invited to his home. Both men mentioned that Ward encouraged them to drink more after they arrived, leading to their assaults while they were in a vulnerable position.
The prosecutor emphasised that there was no prior discussion of sexual activity before the assaults occurred, with Ward’s actions involving unwanted touching that persisted despite the complainants expressing their lack of consent. Knowles suggested that the evidence pointed to a consistent pattern of behaviour by Ward, asserting that the only logical explanation is that both men are telling the truth about their experiences.
Knowles portrayed Ward’s actions as opportunistic, taking advantage of the men’s inebriation and their subordinate positions. The prosecution claims that the incidence of similar behaviour, in the same setting and involving the same individual, indicates a propensity for Ward to commit sexual offences against younger men.
Ward, who was charged with these allegations in 2022, has denied all accusations. His defence team is set to give their closing statements to the jury shortly. The trial has highlighted critical issues around power dynamics, consent, and the risks faced by individuals in vulnerable situations.
Support is available for those affected, with hotlines such as 1800 RESPECT and the National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service.