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Posted: 2022-08-19 02:28:39

Kiama MP Gareth Ward has been committed to stand trial on charges of historical sexual abuse.

Mr Ward was suspended from parliament in May after being charged with the offences, which he denied.

Detectives allege Mr Ward indecently assaulted a 17-year-old boy at Meroo Meadow in February 2013, and sexually abused a 27-year-old man in Sydney in September 2015.

He was represented in Nowra Local Court today by his lawyer Robert Foster, who said his client was available to join the proceedings through a video link.

Mr Ward appeared on the main screen in the court room where he sat quietly.

He acknowledged to Magistrate Lisa Viney that he could hear what was happening.

Two men standing outside a court talking
Robert Foster (left) arrives at Nowra Court.(ABC Illawarra: Kelly Fuller)

He was wearing a suit and his gold parliamentary member's lapel badge.

Ms Viney told the court she was committing Mr Ward to stand trial for five charges.

They include one count of sexual intercourse without consent, three counts of assault with act of indecency and one count of common assault.

Mr Ward has not entered pleas to any of the charges.

A date for the trial will be set in Sydney District Court on September 14.

Today's mention was finished in less than five minutes, with Mr Ward then ending his video connection.

His bail has been continued.

His lawyer, Mr Foster left the court and said he would not be making a comment.

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