Convicted rapist quits Australian parliament after losing legal bid to stay

Convicted rapist Gareth Ward resigns from the Australian parliament after losing legal battle to remain in office. Ward, found guilty of sexually assaulting two men, quit as the independent member for Kiama just before a vote to expel him was scheduled. The resignation triggers a by-election in the New South Wales electorate and comes amidst public and political criticism of Ward's attempts to stay in parliament despite his convictions.