Kiama MP Gareth Ward is currently on trial for sexual assault charges, with allegations stemming from incidents in 2015 involving a 24-year-old political staffer.

Ward, who has pleaded not guilty to charges of sexual intercourse without consent and indecent assault, is accused of approaching the complainant at NSW Parliament House while he was intoxicated.

He did not disclose the alleged assault until 2019, citing feelings of embarrassment and confusion as reasons for his silence.

During the trial, the complainant testified that despite sending affectionate messages to Ward, he felt uncomfortable and was 'looking over his shoulder' after the incident.

The Crown alleges that Ward attempted to kiss the complainant and later digitally penetrated him without consent, prompting the complainant to push him away and ask him to stop.

Ward has represented the Kiama electorate since 2011, initially as a member of the Liberal Party before becoming an independent in 2023.

The Crown's case includes another allegation of indecent assault against a different victim from February 2013, highlighting a pattern of alleged misconduct.

The complainant expressed reluctance to report the incident due to Ward's influential position in the Liberal Party and felt pressured by Ward's promise to 'take care' of him after the alleged assault.

Facebook messages presented in court showed the complainant referring to Ward as 'love' and including smiley faces, which the defense argued contradicted his claims of discomfort.

The defense contended that an email from the complainant in 2019, where he praised Ward, contradicted his claims of abuse, although the complainant admitted he had 'embellished' his praise to enhance his political career prospects.

The trial is taking place in the Downing Centre District Court, with charges against Ward stemming from incidents reported in 2022, and is expected to last four weeks.

The trial is ongoing, being heard by a jury of 15 individuals, as the prosecution and defense present their cases.