Gareth Ward learns key decision ahead of sexual assault trial

MP Gareth Ward will face trial in Sydney after a judge granted an application to move it from NSW’s south coast.

Kiama MP Gareth Ward will stand trial on sexual assault and indecent allegations in Sydney.

Mr Ward’s solicitor Robert Foster on Thursday morning appeared on his behalf via videolink in Sydney’s Downing Centre District Court where Judge John Pickering handed down a judgment on two key issues relating to this upcoming trial.

The independent MP continues to strenuously deny the allegations against him having been charged with sexual intercourse without consent, three counts of indecent assault and one of common assault.

Kiama MP Gareth Ward. Picture NCA Newswire/Gaye Gerard.

He was arraigned at Nowra District Court in early April where he pleaded not guilty to all charges and has previously said he intends to prove his innocence.

Police have alleged he indecently assaulted a 17-year-old boy at Meroo Meadow in 2013 and sexually assaulted a 27-year-old man at Potts Point in September 2015.

Mr Ward appeared before the court earlier this month where Judge Pickering heard two applications - one to separate the allegations into two trials and another to have the jury sit in Sydney rather than Nowra on the NSW south coast.

Gareth Ward. Picture: NCA Newswire/ Monique Harmer.

Judge Pickering on Thursday morning ruled that both sets of allegations should be heard during the one trial.

He also said it was impractical to hold the trial in Nowra and granted an application to transfer the matter to Sydney’s Downing Centre.

He will learn his trial date later on Tuesday afternoon.

Mr Ward, a former Liberal, was earlier this year re-elected while having the charges hanging over his head, beating Labor candidate Katelin McInerney.

Originally published as Gareth Ward learns key decision ahead of sexual assault trial