A man has described his alleged rape by NSW state MP Gareth Ward, saying he was forced into a sexual act without consent after a parliamentary event in 2015. Ward has plead not guilty.

Council of the City of Sydney

Independent MP Gareth Ward was absent from State Parliament while attending a hearing at the Downing Centre District Court, where he faces charges of sexual intercourse without consent and indecent assault. Ward has denied the charges, stating his defence will be presented in court.

The alleged victim, who was 24 at the time of the incident in 2015, testified that Ward invited him to stay at his apartment after a Parliament event. The complainant described unwanted advances and a subsequent sexual act, stating he felt uncomfortable and confused. Ward reportedly apologised if he made the complainant feel uncomfortable. The trial is ongoing, and Ward has declined to comment further on the matter outside of court.

MP Gareth Ward faces alleged rape victim in court

State Parliament was sitting today, but one MP missing was Gareth Ward, instead sitting in the Downing Centre District Court hearing from his complainant, the independent MP on trial for charges of sexual intercourse without consent and indecent assault, which he denies. Mr Ward, is your defence that these acts were consensual? You'll hear my defence in court. The alleged victim, who was 24 years old at the time, said Mr Ward invited him to stay at his apartment after a Parliament event in 2015. He shuffled in closer to me and attempted to kiss me, which I said no, and put my hand in between us, towards his chest. He said he went in again a minute later, this time I just went along with it, he said. I thought he just wanted a kiss and then it would end there. But the alleged victim says Mr Ward later entered the bedroom where he was sleeping. He put his arm over me to cuddle, to which I removed his arm and said no. He then alleges a sexual act occurred. I felt a little dirty and confused, he said. Had I not verbalised the no as loudly as I should have, should I have pushed him off sooner? Should I have just gone home? In his evidence, he said Mr Ward later told him he was sorry if he made him feel uncomfortable. The alleged victim told the court he took that as an apology and wanted him to think everything was okay, because in politics you can be sacked at any time. He feared it would impact his ability to get another job. Mr Ward still has his. How is this trial going to impact your ability to serve the people of Canberra? I've told you I've given all the answers I'm going to give. Sarah Naven for 10 News First.

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