Former NSW minister Gareth Ward, convicted of rape and assault, awaits sentencing with up to 14 years in prison.

Former NSW families minister Gareth Ward, convicted of rape and indecent assault in 2013 and 2015, is set to be sentenced in the NSW District Court. He faces up to 14 years in prison for the most serious charge, having been found guilty of sexual intercourse without consent and three counts of indecent assault. Ward, who is legally blind, resigned from parliament and has been in custody since July. His lawyers will present personal circumstances and mitigating factors as Judge Kara Shead determines his sentence.