Gareth Ward, the former New South Wales Independent MP for Kiama, faces trial for sexual assault on a sixteenth day. His serious allegations just keep coming out. Ward has vociferously denied every charge against him. He is under indictment from two other accusers, each of whom claims she was raped by him in distinct assaults.
The primary complainant first encountered Ward at a public event in late 2012 when he was only 17 years old. He gave his story about that first meeting. He alleged that Ward then offered to pay for his taxi ride home. This simple gesture would begin a beautiful relationship and exchange between the two. The complainant recounted a particular evening when they sat at Ward’s kitchen bench, consuming drinks, including coffee vodka, which was reportedly found in Ward’s freezer at the time.
Details of the Allegations
The second complainant provided evidence during the trial, shedding light on the alleged assault that occurred in February 2013. He characterized Ward as the one who “mixed us cocktails,” highlighting the gendered and racial hierarchies that colored their formative experience together. Complainant did indicate that he had been drinking prior to the interaction. He opened up about how he had experienced a lot of stress with his girlfriend that evening.
“The atmosphere at Gareth Ward’s Meroo Meadow property was noticeably different on the night of the alleged assault,” the second complainant stated. He was attuned to the ways that these events came together to exacerbate his fear, embarrassment, and disorientation. These legitimate feelings colored his entire experience with Ward.
Insights from the Testimonies
Both of the complainants said their relationship with Ward was complicated. They celebrated the acts of kindness and comradery as much as lamenting the agonizing moments. The initial complainant remembered Ward calling him in the days after, wondering if he was alright. This gesture, though, is in deep contrast to the grave nature of the charges that are being filed against him.
The second complainant then went on to provide details about his age and close friendship with Ward, describing him and the others as “mates”. This testimony beautifully illustrates the personal ties that bind them, which makes the story we’re used to hearing about the alleged incidents much harder to tell.
Ongoing Proceedings
Ward is unbowed, continuing to deny any sexual contact or assaulting victims. Opposing his legal team has maintained throughout that the substance of his account keeps changing, with witnesses first claiming one thing and then another. As the court continues to consider this case, what will be their ultimate decision? It has drawn enormous public attention due to Ward’s previous political role.
