Ward, who is still a member of state parliament, was convicted on three counts of indecent assault and one count of rape by a jury after a lengthy trial. The assaults occurred at his home between 2013 and 2015, with victims aged 18 and 24 at the time of the incidents.

Despite resigning from his ministerial post and leaving the Liberal Party in 2021 after the allegations surfaced, Ward maintained his position in parliament and was re-elected for Kiama in 2023. The jury took three days to reach its verdict following nine weeks of testimonies in the NSW District Court.

Evidence revealed that in one incident, Ward invited a drunk 18-year-old to his home and indecently assaulted him multiple times, while a second victim accused Ward of rape after a political event in 2015.

Ward claimed the incidents did not happen and suggested the victims were misremembering. However, crown prosecutor Monika Knowles pointed out the striking similarities in both men's testimonies, reinforcing their credibility and suggesting they were telling the truth.

Sentencing for Ward is set for later this year, as discussions about his expulsion from parliament had been on the table, but legal advice indicated this could interfere with his trial. The case highlights significant concerns about accountability in politics.