A former state minister jailed for the sexual abuse of two young men more than a decade ago has been described as callous and predatory over the opportunistic attacks.
Former Kiama MP Gareth Ward was found guilty in July of sexual intercourse without consent and three indecent assaults following a NSW District Court trial.
The 44-year-old's acts were "deliberate and predatory," Judge Kara Shead said during sentencing on Friday at Parramatta District Court in western Sydney.
In raping an intoxicated political staffer at his inner-city apartment after a mid-week event at NSW Parliament House in 2015, Ward was aware the 24-year-old man had not consented, the judge said.
"The offender knew that the victim was suffering discomfort and pain, yet continued with the sexual intercourse until he

 The Maitland Mercury
 The Maitland Mercury

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