Gareth Ward trial day one: Kiama MP’s sexual assault allegations laid bare in opening statements

Several former politicians and a YouTube star are expected to take the witness stand in the high-profile trial of a South Coast MP accused of sexual assault, as details of the alleged offences were aired during opening statements.

Kiama MP Gareth Ward arriving at Downing Centre District Court for his trial. Picture: NewsWire / John Appleyard

Several former politicians and a YouTube star are expected to be called to the witness stand in the high-profile trial of a South Coast MP accused of sexual assault, as details of the alleged offences were aired during opening statements.

Independent Kiama MP Gareth Ward, 43, sat in the dock in Downing Centre District Court on Tuesday before Judge Kara Shead SC, where it was alleged the politician digitally penetrated one male before ejaculating on him, and mounted another in a bed.

The former Liberal MP, who was ousted from the party after the allegations surfaced and re-elected as an Independent in 2023, has pleaded not guilty to sexual intercourse without consent, three counts of assault with an act of indecency, and common assault.

Ward’s charges stem from allegations he sexually assaulted a teenager in 2013 and a man in his 20’s in 2015.

Crown prosecutor Monika Knowles told the jury that in relation to the 2013 allegation, Ward allegedly offered the alleged victim a room at his Nowra home after seeing him intoxicated following a party.

Kiama MP Gareth Ward speaking to media outside court. Picture: John Appleyard

The jury heard the teenager accepted the offer and continued drinking alcohol at Ward’s home.

The pair moved outside into Ward’s yard, where the teenager lay on the grass.

Gareth Ward’s trial is taking place in Downing Centre District Court. Picture: Nikki Short

The court heard Ward then allegedly started touching him sexually.

“It is at this point, [Ward] slid his hands into [complainant’s] shorts and rubbed his buttocks,” Ms Knowles said.

“[Complainant] was in shock and he froze.”

Ms Knowles submitted Ward continued to touch the intoxicated teenager, moving his hand along his thigh and scrotum.

Kiama MP Gareth Ward has pleaded not guilty. Picture: Supplied

The jury heard the teenager then “pretended” to be unconscious during the alleged touching, before opening his eyes and informing Ward he “wanted to go to bed”.

“[Ward] said it would not be safe to sleep alone,” Ms Knowles said.

The alleged victim moved to a bed, shortly before Ward allegedly mounted his buttocks and massaged his lower back.

Ms Knowles said the teenager asked Ward to stop, but he allegedly told him to “relax”.

He allegedly asked again, prompting Ward to stop.

The complainant reported the allegations to police in November 2020.

In 2015, Ward allegedly invited a man in his 20s to stay at his Sydney property after a night of drinking.

The man agreed, and went to Ward’s home to continue drinking.

Ward allegedly kissed the man, who pushed him away and said he wanted to go to bed.

The court heard Ward agreed, before joining him in the same bed and allegedly digitally penetrating his anus.

“[Complainant] told him to stop, but he kept going,” Ms Knowles said.

“[Ward] was kissing his neck and masturbated himself before he eventually ejaculated.”

The court heard the man told no one until confiding in a friend in 2021, who subsequently contacted police.

Ward was arrested and charged in 2022. He later stepped down from the NSW Liberal Party and now sits as an independent MP.

Ward’s trial, which is expected to run for four weeks, will include witnesses such as former MPs Ann Sudmalis and Jo Gash, and YouTube star Jordan Shanks, known as ‘Friendlyjordies’.

The trial continues, with defence opening statements on Wednesday.

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