Kiama MP Gareth Ward ‘looking forward to proving innocence’ as court trial looms

The Member for Kiama has said he is “looking forward to winning this case” and the election as he confirmed his not guilty pleas to five sexual assault charges.

Kiama MP Gareth Ward has told reporters he “will prove his innocence” after facing court in person for the first time more than a year after historical sexual assault charges were laid.

Mr Ward was ordered to appear in Nowra District Court on Tuesday - three days on from the NSW election - where he confirmed not guilty pleas to charges of sexual intercourse without consent, three counts of assault with an act of indecency and one count of common assault.

The allegations led to Mr Ward being booted from the Liberal party room and moved to the crossbench before being suspended from parliament when charges were laid.

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

Mr Ward was narrowly behind Labor opponent Katelin McInerney with nearly 70 per cent of the vote counted, however, election analysts, including the ABC’s Anthony Green has tweeted that his sources are calling Kiama in the independent’s favour.

Police allege the incidents happened at Pott Points in 2015, and Shoalhaven in 2013.

The alleged 2013 incident involved a man who was aged 25 at the time, and the alleged 2015 incident involved a man who was then aged 17.

Kiama MP Gareth Ward on his way into Nowra District Court on Friday. Picture: Monique Harmer

The matter is listed in Sydney’s Downing Centre District Court next week, however, it was also mentioned in Nowra District Court on Monday, where Judge Christopher O’Brien called on the former Families, Communities and Disability Services Minister to turn up to court on Tuesday to be arraigned.

On Tuesday, Mr Ward appeared in court where he confirmed his pleas of not guilty to the five charges.

Mr Ward’s lawyer, Robert Foster, asked for his client to be excused from attending Downing Centre next week, however, the judge denied the application.

A trial date is yet to be set, however, it is anticipated separate trials will be run for the two complainants.

Member for Kiama Gareth Ward campaigning at Mount Terry Public School on election day, three days before appearing in court. Picture: Jane Dempster.

Outside court, Mr Ward received a “How ya going, Gareth, good to see ya” from a bystander before he addressed a media scrum about the matter.

“There’s a lot of things I’d like to say about this case, but I am prohibited from saying what I’d like to say,” he said.

“This matter is something that’s been dragging on for the last two years and it has been a really difficult two years, but I’m looking forward to having the opportunity to prove my innocence.

“I will say something about the presumption of innocence. There are a lot of people, some in the media, that have totally trashed the presumption of innocence.

Kiama MP Gareth Ward (right) pictured leaving Nowra District Court with his lawyer Robert Foster on Tuesday. Picture: Monique Harmer

“Some of the commentary from people who should know better, leaves with those people is impactful and significant.

“I believe in truth and justice [and] I passionately believe in the presumption of innocence. It’s not an optional extra - it’s a human right.

“I am not only going to fight to clear my name, but I think when this matter is done, it’ll be a reminder as to why people should leave matters to those in buildings behind us rather than agitating through the process.

“I’m looking forward to not just winning this case, but winning the election as well.”

Mr Ward refused to take questions.