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One-time Australian politician convicted of assaulting two young men encountered via professional activities has been sentenced to five years and nine months in detention.

Legal Proceedings

The former official, 44, remained in prison since mid-year after judicial panel found him guilty of sexually assaulting an individual and attacking another individual, in multiple events in 2013 and 2015.

The defendant acted for the seaside community of the regional area in the New South Wales legislature from the year 2011. He resigned as a political party minister when the claims came to light in recent years but declined to leave his seat and won again in last year.

Court Ruling

Justice the court official took into account the defendant's condition of legal blindness in the judgment and found "no different consequence except for detention is appropriate".

Ward, who was present via video-link at Parramatta District Court, will complete at least three years and nine months in custody before he can apply for parole.

The court official said the court needs to "issue a clear statement to similar individuals that illegal behaviors of this nature will be met with salutary penalties".

Case Background

She also said the convicted man had "avoided punishment for a decade and enjoyed a life free from a rehabilitation program or punishment for the offenses during those years".

Following the verdict, Ward initiated a unsuccessful legal bid to continue in his position and left office moments before the legislature could oust him.

Defense attorneys has stated earlier he aims to challenge the conviction.

Trial Evidence

Ward's nine-week trial in the judicial venue heard that he invited a intoxicated 18-year-old man to his property in the first incident and sexually abused him repeatedly, despite his attempts to resist.

Subsequently, he sexually assaulted a 24-year-old office worker at his residence after an event at the legislature.

The defendant had maintained the 2015 rape didn't happen, and that the first victim was inaccurate regarding their meeting from the first incident.

However, prosecutors argued that significant resemblances in the statements of the victims, who were unacquainted with each other, showed they were being honest.

Court members deliberated for 72 hours before announcing the guilty verdicts.

Ward's resignation led to a special election in his constituency in September, which was secured by the challenger.