Overview

• Judge Kara Shead began sentencing proceedings in Parramatta and scheduled October 29 for her decision.
• Ward appeared via video link from custody, having been convicted in July of sexual intercourse without consent and three indecent assaults stemming from incidents in 2013 and 2015.
• A victim impact statement detailed major depression, suicidal ideation and recurring flashbacks, and reported receiving a voicemail with the sound of two gunshots weeks before giving evidence.
• Prosecutors argued the offending showed persistence after refusals and said public office should not be treated as evidence of good character.
• The defence noted a filed intention to appeal, cited Ward’s legal blindness, media scrutiny and lack of prior convictions as mitigating factors, and argued the conduct was at the lower end of seriousness; the most serious count carries a maximum of 14 years.