Overview

• Crown prosecutor Monika Knowles detailed an alleged indecent assault of an 18-year-old at Ward’s South Coast home in February 2013 and a non-consensual encounter with a 24-year-old in his Potts Point apartment in September 2015.
• Both complainants maintained contact with Ward after the incidents before lodging police reports in late 2020 and April 2021.
• Ward has represented Kiama since 2011, was elected as an independent in 2023 and has pleaded not guilty to five charges including sexual intercourse without consent.
• Ward was formally charged in 2022 and Judge Kara Shead has estimated the Downing Centre District Court trial will last three to four weeks.
• Ward continues to deny the allegations as the court prepares to hear witnesses and begin detailed evidence.