Gareth Ward: Kiama MP’s ‘high profile’ sexual assault trial weeks away

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

Kiama MP Gareth Ward has denied all allegations. Picture: Tim Hunter.

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

Kiama MP Gareth Ward, 43, will appear before Downing Centre District Court for a lengthy trial starting May 26 this year, 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 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 Ward will be a sitting member when he faces trial next month. Picture: Monique Harmer

Ward’s case was mentioned in Downing Centre District Court on Friday for pre-trial questioning by Judge Timothy Gartelmann, where the Crown prosecutor said the “high profile” trial was expected to run as long as four weeks.

The court previously heard the trial would need to take place in Sydney as opposed to Nowra District Court, given Ward’s status in the South Coast region, having served as the state member for Kiama since 2011.

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 NSW Government member when he faces trial for the allegations next month.

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

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