Following his first appearance in court today, to formally plead not guilty to serious sexual assault charges, Gareth Ward MP is to appear in the Downing Centre on Monday for a further hearing to decide how the trial will proceed.

Outside the Court, Mr Ward was in a fighting mood, saying, “I’m looking forward to not just winning this case, but winning the election as well.”

As for the election, it now looks that likely he will retain his seat. ABC election analyst Antony Green has tweeted this morning, “Waiting for the official count to arrive but scrutineer reports are that Ward has won the Nowra early vote centre by 1,200 putting him 600 votes in the lead in Kiama.”

The trial will take much longer to give an outcome.

The charges of sexual intercourse without consent, three counts of assault with act of indecency, and one count of common assault related to alleged incidents in 2013 (involving a man who was 25 at the time) and in 2015 (involving a man who was then 17). The common assault charge is an alternate to one of the assault with act of indecency charges.

Yesterday, Mr Ward’s lawyer confirmed they intend to apply for the charges to be run as separate trials.

“There’s a lot of things I’d like to say about this case, but I am prohibited from saying what I’d like to say,” said Mr Ward in a statement to the media.

“This matter is something that’s been dragging on for the last two years and it has been a really difficult two years, but I’m looking forward to having the opportunity to prove my innocence.

“I will say something about the presumption of innocence. There are a lot of people, some in the media, that have totally trashed the presumption of innocence.

“Some of the commentary from people who should know better, leaves with those people is impactful and significant.

“I believe in truth and justice. I passionately believe in the presumption of innocence. It’s not an optional extra - it’s a human right.

“I am not only going to fight to clear my name, but I think when this matter is done, it’ll be a reminder as to why people should leave matters to those in buildings behind us rather than agitating through the process.”

Mr Ward remains on bail.

Prior to the election, both political leaders said they would have him suspended from the new Parliament.