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NSW MP Gareth Ward likened to ‘vampire running a blood bank' by alleged sexual assault victim, court hears
A court has heard a New South Wales state MP's alleged sexual abuse victim was spurred to action after learning the politician had been appointed as families minister, which he likened to a vampire running a blood bank.
The Kiama MP, Gareth Ward, 44, is on trial in the NSW district court after pleading not guilty to sexual intercourse without consent and indecent assault charges.
He is accused of inviting a drunk 18-year-old man – who was 17 when they met – to his south coast home in February 2013.
The man told the jury Ward plied him with drinks before indecently assaulting him three times in one night.
He said he had been prompted to report the assaults to police in 2020 after he realised Ward had been appointed the NSW minister for families.
'I felt basically that a vampire was running the blood bank and that I had a responsibility that I needed to get it on the record,' the complainant said.
He told the jury he was 'very distressed' by Ward's ministerial role and found it 'very inappropriate'.
But the complainant said he was also scared of Ward's power and feared there could be 'significant consequences' if he spoke out.
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The jury heard his decision came years after he confided in a friend about the alleged assaults, only to be told he should have expected it when he went to Ward's house.
'[The friend] said something to the effect of 'that was obviously going to happen' and … I must be gay for wanting to go there,' the complainant recalled.
He told the jury he thought the incident was probably his fault so he decided he needed to put it aside, pretend it never happened, and 'just go on with being Gareth's bro'.
The alleged assault was sparked when the 18-year-old – who had been drinking and was in a 'jocular mood' – decided to play a prank on Ward by pretending to be passed out.
He alleges Ward tried to wake him up before sliding his hands into the teen's shorts, and touching his buttocks and scrotum.
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'The heavy breath and the [feeling of] skin on skin are the two things that have stuck with me about that moment,' the complainant said during his emotional testimony.
'I felt like I shrivelled up inside myself. It was the most awkward feeling ever.'
Later, he said he had been lying facedown on the bed when Ward allegedly 'mounted' him without his permission and massaged his lower back.
Despite asking Ward to get off and stop, the complainant alleged the MP continued while explaining he had masseur training.
Upon reflection, he said he believed Ward's unwelcome touching contributed to his subsequent drug and alcohol abuse issues.
Ward is also accused of sexually assaulting a drunk political staffer after a NSW Parliament House event in 2015.
The man, who was 24 at the time but is now in his 30s, alleged Ward climbed into bed with him, groped his backside and sexually assaulted him despite him repeatedly saying 'no'.
Ward was charged in 2022 over the claims, which he denies.
