Gareth Ward: Kiama MP’s ‘high profile’ sexual assault trial commences next week

A sitting New South Wales MP is set to fight historic sexual assault allegations, with the coastal politician’s “high profile” trial just days away.

Kiama MP Gareth Ward has denied all allegations. Picture: Gaye Gerard

A sitting New South Wales MP is set to fight historic sexual assault allegations, with the coastal politician’s “high profile” trial just days away.

Kiama MP Gareth Ward, 43, will appear before Downing Centre District Court for an estimated four-week trial starting commencing Monday, after denying sexual assault allegations stemming from 2013 and 2015.

The former NSW Liberal minister turned independent previously pleaded not guilty to sexual intercourse without consent, three counts of assault with act of indecency, and common assault.

Ward has been on bail since the charges dropped and has strenuously denied the allegations.

Court documents state an alleged 2013 incident involved a man who was aged 25 at the time, and an alleged 2015 incident involved a boy who was 17-years-old at the time.

Kiama MP Gareth previously leaving Downing Centre. Picture: Gaye Gerard

Ward’s case was mentioned in Downing Centre District Court on Thursday before Judge Stephen Hanley SC, who confirmed the trial was ready to commence next week.

In 2023, Ward won re-election as an independent to the coastal seat by thousands of votes in the state election.

As a result, he will be a sitting state MP when he faces the “high profile” trial for the allegations next week.

Defence barrister Edward Anderson reiterated his client’s intent to vigorously fight the allegations.

Ward’s trial will commence Monday, with the court hearing it could take some days until a jury is empaneled.

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