The sexual assault trial of MP Gareth Ward has got underway in Sydney. The court heard more details about his alleged assault on an 18-year-old man. The former Liberal minister has pleaded not guilty to five charges.
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00:00The Liberal-turned-independent MP was all smiles as he arrived at court.
00:08The Crown Prosecutor detailed how in February 2013, the former Families Minister invited
00:13an 18-year-old man back to his South Coast home.
00:16The court heard the pair continued drinking and Mr Ward allegedly slid his hands into
00:20the man's shorts and touched his buttocks and scrotum.
00:24The complainant was in shock and froze.
00:27The court heard a second alleged assault took place after a party at the NSW Parliament
00:31in 2015.
00:32The Prosecutor told the jury Mr Ward invited a 25-year-old man back to his Potts Point apartment.
00:38The Crown said after the man went to lie down, Mr Ward leaned over him, touched his boxes and
00:43without any warning, it's alleged he then digitally penetrated him.
00:48The court was told the jury can expect to hear from a string of Liberal Party figures including
00:52former State Ministers Don Harwin and Shelley Hancock and former Federal MPs Joanna Gash
00:59and Anseld Marlis.
01:00They'll also hear evidence from YouTuber Jordan Shanks, better known as Friendly Geordies.
01:07Yesterday the MP, who was narrowly re-elected in 2023, made a brief statement to the media.
01:12Obviously there's a lot I would like to say and there'll be an appropriate time for that.
01:19The Defence will give their opening address tomorrow.