‘Love … darl … pet': Alleged rape victim questioned over ‘friendly' texts with Kiama MP
A political staffer who accused Kiama MP Gareth Ward of rape has been questioned in court over 'friendly' behaviour including calling the parliamentarian 'love' in a text message two years after the alleged sexual assault.
Ward has been charged with one count of sexual intercourse without consent against the man, then aged 24, following an event at Parliament House in 2015, as well as three counts of assault with an act of indecency involving an 18-year-old man. Ward has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The older man returned to the witness box in Downing Centre on Monday for cross-examination via video link, where he was questioned by Ward's barrister, David Campbell, SC, about his social interactions with the MP following the alleged assault.
The court heard that the man responded to an email invitation from Ward to a birthday party in the middle of 2016, stating that he'd 'love' to join. The man couldn't remember if he attended the party at the Woolloomooloo Bay Hotel, telling the court it was almost a decade ago.
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The pair also met up for a meal in 2017 at Ward's suggestion, where the court previously heard Ward attempted to touch the man's thigh under the table, causing him to move away and sit with nearby colleagues.
The complainant told the court last week he felt 'a little bit uncomfortable' and 'more alert' after the meal, and would attempt to sit away from Ward, and avoid group dinners and drinks with Ward, after that.
Ahead of a work-related event a few days after the meal, Campbell told the court, the complainant wrote, 'Gareth, love, we are ready to start', in a message. The barrister questioned why he would speak to someone who had 'sexually violated' him.
The complainant said he was likely 'overcompensating' by being friendly and that he routinely uses those words with colleagues.
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