Ex-Australian politician sentenced to more than five years for rape

Former Australian politician Gareth Ward, convicted of sexually abusing two young men, sentenced to 5 years and 9 months in prison. Ward, legally blind, faced public allegations in 2021, resigned from ministerial position, but refused to leave parliament, even re-elected in 2023. Judge emphasized strong message against sexual crimes, rejecting Ward's argument of extra punishment due to publicity. Ward's conviction led to a by-election, won by a Labor candidate, and he plans to appeal the guilty verdict. The Daily News Now! — Every city. Every story. AI-powered. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.