Convicted sex offender Gareth Ward has confirmed he is seeking to appeal the verdict a week after being found guilty of sexually assaulting two young men.

Ward said in a statement on Friday afternoon that he was “absolutely shattered” with the result of the trial and had been spending time with family. 

“I am taking advice about next steps, but I can confirm that I have provided instructions to my legal team to prepare an appeal at the earliest opportunity,” the statement read.

The Member for Kiama has made no mention of resigning despite calls to do so from political leaders on both sides.

The 44-year-old was convicted of three counts of indecent assault and one count of sexual intercourse without consent, serious offences that carry the likelihood of a full-time custodial sentence.

On Wednesday, Ward was taken into custody after a District Court judge granted a prosecution application to revoke his bail ahead of sentencing set for September 19.

The Legislative Assembly is expected to consider a motion to expel Ward as its first order of business on Tuesday, following the MP’s conviction. 

If the expulsion goes ahead, a by-election for the NSW south coast seat of Kiama could be called in as little as eight weeks.