SYDNEY: An Australian state lawmaker who refused to step down after being convicted of rape finally resigned on Friday, the parliamentary speaker said, moments before the body was set to vote to expel him.
New South Wales politician Gareth Ward was found guilty last month of sexually abusing two young men, aged 18 and 24, between 2013 and 2015.
The 44-year-old right-leaning politician refused to stand down from state parliament, despite sitting in prison while awaiting sentencing for his crimes.
Ward lost a court battle this week to halt the New South Wales parliament from voting to expel him.
Speaker Greg Piper informed the assembly he had received Ward’s resignation letter — which “took effect immediately” — about an hour before the vote was slated to take place.
Leader of the house Ron Hoenig said: “Not in 107 years has this house been required to expel a member and the fact that we were about to make such a determination is a pretty shameful exercise.”
Ward should have resigned “following the verdict of the jury,” Hoenig added.
Ward’s departure triggers a by-election in the coastal and regional seat of Kiama, 130 kilometres (80.7 miles) from Sydney.
Ward, who is due to be sentenced next month, is appealing his convictions. – AFP
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