Defence argues alleged rape by NSW MP Gareth Ward did not happen

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a day ago

The defence in the trial of NSW MP Gareth Ward has suggested an alleged sexual assault in Mr Ward's apartment in 2015 never occurred.
On the eighth day of the trial, the defence wrapped up its cross-examination of the first complainant, directly challenging his version of events.
WARNING: This story contains content that readers may find distressing.
Kiama MP Mr Ward has pleaded not guilty to sexual intercourse without consent in relation to the 2015 allegation.
He has also denied four other charges, including indecent assault, involving a second complainant who was 18 in 2013.
During cross-examination, the politician's defence barrister David Campbell SC suggested the complainant had instead spent the night at Parliament House because he was intoxicated.
The man, who was 24 at the time of the alleged assault and cannot be identified for legal reasons, denied that.
"I went to Mr Ward's apartment," the complainant said.
The defence suggested "none of the things that you say happened at Mr Ward's apartment", and specifically the alleged rape, happened.
"That is not true," the complainant responded.
"Mr Ward kissed me and put his finger in my anus whilst he pleasured himself."
The complainant also told the court he still thought Mr Ward was an "incredibly capable local member".
"Just because he did this to me — well, these things to me — does not mean he's a bad person," he said.
During re-examination by the Crown, the man was asked to explain why he applied for a job in Mr Ward's office after the 2019 election.
"When you work in a field like politics, you sometimes have to separate the personal from the professional, which is what I believe I was doing," he said
He also addressed his delay in reporting the alleged assault to police.
"It made me think twice about going to the police," he said.
"He had achieved a great deal for his electorate.
"I felt — obviously this is just me speaking now — but his electorate shouldn't have to pay the price for some bad mistakes he made."
Asked why he did not raise the allegations internally, the complainant said he feared an official complaint might be leaked or mishandled.
"If I were to send an email to the premier's office, I don't know who would see it," he said.
"I didn't want that to be seen by someone who might use it for nefarious purposes."
The Crown prosecutor asked the complainant why he used terms of endearment when messaging Mr Ward.
"In explaining the use of, 'I said love, I said darl, I said pet' — what is that from?" the prosecutor asked.
The complainant said while he could not recall the name of the TV show, it involved Magda Szubanski in the 80s or 90s.
"I wasn't trying to convey anything except we were waiting to start, and we were ready for him. I use the phrase quite regularly," he said.
The first complainant is expected to complete his re-examination when the trial resumes tomorrow.