The Crown is making closing submissions in the eighth week of the sexual assault trial of NSW MP Gareth Ward. Mr Ward has pleaded not guilty to five charges, including sexual intercourse without consent.

Darlinghurst

The trial of Gareth Ward, an independent member of parliament for Kiama, is nearing its conclusion as a jury prepares to deliberate on four charges of sexual assault. The allegations involve two men, aged 18 and 24 at the time, who say they were intoxicated when invited to Ward's home and experienced unwanted sexual touching. 

Ward has pleaded not guilty to all charges. The defence highlighted post-incident communication between Ward and one of the alleged victims, suggesting it was inconsistent with discomfort, while the prosecution argued the victim was trying to remain polite and protect his career. Ward continues to serve as an MP, and the outcome may affect his position depending on the verdict and any potential sentence.

Closing submissions begin in trial of Gareth Ward

A jury will soon decide Gareth Ward's fate. How are you feeling as this trial comes to a close? Well, as you know, it would be entirely inappropriate for me to comment at this point, but I think you can guarantee that I'll have a lot more to say once it's finished. In closing statements, the Crown said the case involves two young men, strangers to each other, living separate lives, yet both have stepped forward to describe allegations that have remarkable similarities. Ward's two alleged victims were aged 18 and 24 at the time. They say they were both intoxicated when they were invited to the State MP's home. The assaults are alleged to have occurred at Potts Point, after a function at Parliament House and after a party in the Shoalhaven. The alleged victims said they thought they were staying in a separate bed when Ward joined them. MPs allege to have persisted sexual touching, despite repeatedly being told no or stop. One man told the court he was left feeling a little dirty and confused. Mr Ward was arrested in 2022 and continues to hold the seat of Kiama as an independent MP. Has it impacted your ability to serve the people? If convicted, an MP can be disqualified if sentenced to at least five years prison, or if Parliament moves to expel them. Ward denies all four charges and has pleaded not guilty. One of the alleged victims called Ward love in text messages after the alleged assault. The defence says that's not language used when feeling uncomfortable. The Crown told the jury he was walking a tightrope between being polite and not threatening his career. The man also later replied for a job in Mr Ward's office. Closing statements are continuing. Sarah Naven, 10 News.

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