Latest news with #Kiama
ABC News
4 days ago
- Politics
- ABC News
Gareth Ward's defence says police probe flawed, 'potentially dishonest'
Gareth Ward's defence has accused police of a flawed and biased investigation, telling the jury the sexual assault allegations against the MP are inconsistent, unreliable and never happened. The independent Kiama MP and former Liberal minister is facing five criminal charges, including sexual intercourse without consent and indecent assault, over allegations made by two men involving separate incidents in 2013 and 2015. Mr Ward strenuously denies the claims. The younger complainant alleges two incidents, including an unwanted back massage, occurred at Gareth Ward's Meroo Meadow home in 2013, when he was 18 years old. The second complainant, a former political staffer who was 24 at the time, alleges Mr Ward sexually assaulted him at the MP's Potts Point apartment after an event at NSW Parliament House. Following nine weeks of evidence led by the Crown, the defence today finalised its closing address. Mr Ward's barrister, David Campbell, told the jury the police investigation led by former Detective Senior Constable Cameron Bignell had "selectively and potentially dishonestly cherry-picked what he wished to investigate". He described Mr Bignell as a "miscreant" for ignoring directions from a colleague to seek parliamentary access and phone records. The defence urged the jury to view with scepticism a 2021 police walk-through — filmed on a body-worn camera, showing the older complainant's walk from outside NSW Parliament House to Mr Ward's Potts Point apartment. Mr Campbell questioned why it was recorded years after the alleged assault in 2015. He also highlighted the older complainant's shifting account, including uncertainty around dates and the route into the apartment, and said misdescribed details of the bedroom's interior undermined his reliability. Mr Campbell told the jury the older complainant's conduct after the alleged incident was inconsistent with his claim of trauma. He said that behaviour included maintaining friendly contact with Mr Ward and, later, sending the MP a job application, in which he wrote: "Your friendship means the world to me and my respect for you is already as high as it can be." Mr Campbell said it was "a rather astonishing application for employment" from someone who claimed to have been "sexually violated". The defence told the jury the alleged assault did not happen and suggested the complainant was likely asleep on a couch at Parliament House, not at Mr Ward's Potts Point apartment as he claimed. In the case of the younger complainant, Mr Campbell argued his version of events had undergone a "massive reconstruction" over the years. He said the man's memory was unreliable and reshaped by time, and the use of alcohol and other substances. The defence said the alleged back massage described by the complainant was not inherently sexual and did not amount to assault. Mr Campbell told the jury the man had continued a long-term social relationship with Mr Ward. The defence also said that when faced with such serious allegations, Mr Ward expressly denied it by entering a plea of not guilty. "After all these years, and in the absence of any additional material, what more could he say?" Mr Campbell asked. "He could only say, it did not happen." Mr Campbell concluded by arguing that the Crown had failed to discharge the burden of proof on any count. "Accordingly, Mr Ward should be found not guilty on each count in the indictment." An expanded panel of 13 jurors was empanelled at the start of the trial to account for its expected length, but only 12 will decide the outcome. Before deliberations begin, a ballot will be held to determine which juror will be excluded. The judge has begun giving her directions to the jury and has told them they can expect to retire to consider their verdict tomorrow.
ABC News
14-07-2025
- ABC News
NSW man refuses to appear in court after alleged high-speed chase in stolen Ford Mustang
A man accused of attacking a woman with an axe, stealing her Mustang sports car and running her over with it before leading police on a high-speed chase in the New South Wales has "refused" to leave his cell to face court. South Coast man Caleb Flentjar, 25, has been charged with multiple offences after allegedly leading police on a high-speed, 50-kilometre pursuit from Nowra to Kiama on Saturday. The 66-year-old owner of the car remains in a serious but stable condition in hospital. Today the Bail Division Court heard Mr Flentjar had "refused to see legal and refused to leave his cell" at Wollongong Police Station. His lawyer Cassie Lee told the court her client did not meet with her. "He refuses to see me and presumably anyone else," she said. Magistrate Daniel Covington confirmed the refusal with corrective services at Wollongong Police Station and then set July 22 as the next date for the accused to appear online at Nowra Local Court. "As for what has been relayed, he doesn't want to leave his cell or make an application … then I will note bail not applied for and bail refused," Magistrate Covington said. Mr Flentjar is charged with custody of knife in public place, two counts of use offensive weapon to prevent lawful apprehension and two counts of fail to stop at accident and render assistance. He has also been charged with drive whilst disqualified, pursuit, exceed speed over 45kph and goods in personal custody suspected of being stolen and larceny. Mr Flentjar is facing additional charges regarding three outstanding domestic violence-related offences, including assault occasioning actual bodily harm (DV). The 25-year-old has been in custody since his release from hospital on Sunday following treatment for minor injuries. Police allege Mr Flentjar reached speeds of up to 180kph through 80kph zones as he wound his way up the M1 Princes Motorway on the wrong side of the road. It is alleged the chase came to an end when the Mustang crashed into a ute at Kiama Downs. Prior to that police had unsuccessfully attempted to halt the vehicle using tyre spikes. Police said members of the public stopped Mr Flentjar from fleeing on foot by "holding him down" until they arrived. The driver of the ute was taken to hospital.
ABC News
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- ABC News
Hollywood costume designer Orry-Kelly celebrated in home town
He dressed the likes of Marilyn Monroe, Katharine Hepburn and Bette Davis, but while Australian-born costume designer Orry-Kelly is one of the country's most prolific Oscar winners, many people have never heard of him. Born Orry George Kelly in Kiama on the south coast of NSW in December 1897, the Hollywood costume designer worked on more than 300 films. He was the chief costume designer for Warner Bros. Studios from 1932 to 1944, worked on the iconic film Casablanca and won Oscars for Best Costume Design for An American in Paris in 1951, Les Girls in 1957 and Some Like It Hot in 1959. Following his death in 1964, Orry-Kelly was mourned by Hollywood society but Australia remained largely oblivious to his remarkable life. His pallbearers included actors Cary Grant (who Orry-Kelly described in his memoir as having a lifelong relationship with) and Tony Curtis, filmmaker Billy Wilder and director George Cukor. Ms Eggins said while Kelly was still "the forgotten man", an exhibition and gala in his home town of Kiama later this month aimed to change that. Ms Eggins is president of the Kiama Historical Society and a member of Kiama Icons and Artists, which promotes local art and culture. She said Orry-Kelly was largely forgotten locally until a 1994 Vogue article by Karin Upton Baker, edited by filmmaker Baz Luhrmann and Catherine Martin, winner of four Academy Awards in film design. "It had photos and stories, and since then I've discovered more and given hundreds of talks about him. "I love him. I'm passionate about him," she laughed. Orry-Kelly's work displayed a diligence and creativity he no doubt inherited from his father William Kelly, a tailor in Kiama. Mr Kelly put his son's talents to use by having him paint portraits of his customers. "Clients got a new suit and a painting, so there are a lot of portraits around the district," Ms Eggins said. When he was 17, Orry-Kelly was sent to Sydney to study banking, however Ms Eggins said he ended up being paid by women to take them dancing. "He was a very good dancer and got caught up in the underworld of Sydney, the sly grog and all of that," she said. "In his autobiography, he remembers what the prostitutes in Sydney were wearing and they became inspirations for some of his costumes. Orry-Kelly moved to New York at 22, where he met a young actor who would later change his name to Cary Grant. The pair relocated to Los Angles in 1931 where both their careers took off. Orry-Kelly worked on silent films at first, becoming the chief designer for Warner Bros. in 1932. "He drank it, he partied, he bought a big house, he had pets and generally wasted a lot of it. "He was a very big drinker, an alcoholic and that's where a lot of his money went." By 1944 Orry-Kelly worked for 20th Century Fox, then Universal until 1950, followed by freelancing until he died of live cancer, aged 66, in 1964. When he died, Orry-Kelly's three Oscars went to movie tycoon Jack Warner's wife Anne but have since vanished. "We are looking for the Oscars," Ms Eggins said. "In 2015 the Oscars were in Ann Warner's box, then they were borrowed by the Australian Centre for the Moving Image [ACMI] who displayed them, but said they sent them back." "At that time, Film and Sound Archives [the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia or NFSA] in Canberra were trying to get the Oscars to stay in Australia, but as far as I know, they didn't," she said. "We think they've gone back to the storerooms at Warner Bros." The ABC contacted ACMI, the NFSA and Warner Bros. Discovery; none could clarify the Oscars' whereabouts. An event celebrating the costumer designer, the Orry-Kelly Dressing Hollywood Gala, will be held in Kiama on July 26. "We'll display original paintings and gowns with a gala that evening," the event's organiser Catherine Menzies said. A Q&A panel will feature Gillian Armstrong, who directed the 2015 documentary Women He's Undressed about Orry-Kelly's life, as well as the film's producer Damien Parer and screenwriter Katherine Thomson, who discovered Orry-Kelly's manuscript, which was published as an autobiography and later inspired the film. Ms Menzies said the aim is for the gala to become an annual event. "Hopefully it can become a thing for Kiama; what better way to honour somebody like Orry-Kelly than glamour," she said. "He was making people look good [and] feel good. I can't think of a better way to have fun, but honour him."
Daily Mail
27-06-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mail
Australian politician likened to 'vampire' after alleged sex assault
A state MP's alleged sexual abuse victim was spurred to action after learning the politician had been appointed as families minister, which he likened to a vampire running a blood bank. Kiama MP Gareth Ward, 44, is on trial in the NSW District Court after pleading not guilty to sexual intercourse without consent and indecent assault charges. He is accused of inviting a drunk 18-year-old man - who was 17 when they met - to his South Coast home in February 2013. The man told the jury Ward plied him with drinks before indecently assaulting him three times in one night. He said he had been prompted to report the assaults to police in 2020 after he realised Ward had been appointed the NSW minister for families. 'I felt basically that a vampire was running the blood bank and that I had a responsibility that I needed to get it on the record,' the complainant said. He told the jury he was 'very distressed' by Ward's ministerial role and found it 'very inappropriate'. But the complainant said he was also scared of Ward's power and feared there could be 'significant consequences' if he spoke out. The jury heard his decision came years after he confided in a friend about the alleged assaults, only to be told he should have expected it when he went to Ward's house. '(The friend) said something to the effect of 'that was obviously going to happen' and … I must be gay for wanting to go there,' the complainant recalled. He told the jury he thought the incident was probably his fault so he decided he needed to put it aside, pretend it never happened, and 'just go on with being Gareth's bro.' The alleged assault was sparked when the 18-year-old - who had been drinking and was in a 'jocular mood' - decided to play a prank on Ward by pretending to be passed out. He said Ward tried to wake him up before sliding his hands into the teen's shorts, and touching his buttocks and scrotum. 'The heavy breath and the (feeling of) skin on skin are the two things that have stuck with me about that moment,' the complainant said during his emotional testimony. 'I felt like I shrivelled up inside myself. It was the most awkward feeling ever.' Later, he said he had been lying facedown on the bed when Ward 'mounted' him without his permission and massaged his lower back. Despite asking Ward to get off and stop, the complainant said the MP continued while explaining he had masseur training. Upon reflection, he believes Ward's unwelcome touching contributed to his subsequent drug and alcohol abuse issues. Ward is also accused of sexually assaulting a drunk political staffer after a NSW Parliament House event in 2015. The man, who was 24 at the time but is now in his 30s, said Ward climbed into bed with him, groped his backside and sexually assaulted him despite him repeatedly saying 'no'. Ward was charged in 2022 over the claims, which he denies. 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)
The Guardian
25-06-2025
- Politics
- The Guardian
NSW MP Gareth Ward likened to ‘vampire running a blood bank' by alleged sexual assault victim, court hears
A court has heard a New South Wales state MP's alleged sexual abuse victim was spurred to action after learning the politician had been appointed as families minister, which he likened to a vampire running a blood bank. The Kiama MP, Gareth Ward, 44, is on trial in the NSW district court after pleading not guilty to sexual intercourse without consent and indecent assault charges. He is accused of inviting a drunk 18-year-old man – who was 17 when they met – to his south coast home in February 2013. The man told the jury Ward plied him with drinks before indecently assaulting him three times in one night. He said he had been prompted to report the assaults to police in 2020 after he realised Ward had been appointed the NSW minister for families. 'I felt basically that a vampire was running the blood bank and that I had a responsibility that I needed to get it on the record,' the complainant said. He told the jury he was 'very distressed' by Ward's ministerial role and found it 'very inappropriate'. But the complainant said he was also scared of Ward's power and feared there could be 'significant consequences' if he spoke out. Sign up for Guardian Australia's breaking news email The jury heard his decision came years after he confided in a friend about the alleged assaults, only to be told he should have expected it when he went to Ward's house. '[The friend] said something to the effect of 'that was obviously going to happen' and … I must be gay for wanting to go there,' the complainant recalled. He told the jury he thought the incident was probably his fault so he decided he needed to put it aside, pretend it never happened, and 'just go on with being Gareth's bro'. The alleged assault was sparked when the 18-year-old – who had been drinking and was in a 'jocular mood' – decided to play a prank on Ward by pretending to be passed out. He alleges Ward tried to wake him up before sliding his hands into the teen's shorts, and touching his buttocks and scrotum. Sign up to Breaking News Australia Get the most important news as it breaks after newsletter promotion 'The heavy breath and the [feeling of] skin on skin are the two things that have stuck with me about that moment,' the complainant said during his emotional testimony. 'I felt like I shrivelled up inside myself. It was the most awkward feeling ever.' Later, he said he had been lying facedown on the bed when Ward allegedly 'mounted' him without his permission and massaged his lower back. Despite asking Ward to get off and stop, the complainant alleged the MP continued while explaining he had masseur training. Upon reflection, he said he believed Ward's unwelcome touching contributed to his subsequent drug and alcohol abuse issues. Ward is also accused of sexually assaulting a drunk political staffer after a NSW Parliament House event in 2015. The man, who was 24 at the time but is now in his 30s, alleged Ward climbed into bed with him, groped his backside and sexually assaulted him despite him repeatedly saying 'no'. Ward was charged in 2022 over the claims, which he denies.
