A political officer told the Sydney court that he embellished a published email, writing to a state MP who allegedly sexually assaulted him a few years ago.

Kiama MP, 44, Gareth Ward, pleaded not guilty to sexual intercourse without consent and indecent assault charges, was tried in NSW District Court.

After a midweek event at the NSW Capitol in 2015, Ward approached a young drunk political worker and provided him with a overnight accommodation.

The man, who was 24 at the time, was accused Ward of climbing into bed with him, fumbled on his back and sexually assaulting him, despite repeated saying no.

On the third day of Tuesday's cross-examination, the alleged victim was asked about an email he wrote to Ward in March 2019 to congratulate him on his appointment as family secretary.

The man wrote: “Your friendship means the world to me, and my respect for you has been as high as possible.”

He told the jury that he sent an email hoping to get political work when he was worried about his career prospects. He said he embellished Ward's friendship.

The complainant insisted that the email was not inconsistent with his claims, that he was sexually assaulted by Ward and he continued to receive professional respect.

“I have a lot of respect for Mr. Ward,” the alleged victim told the jury. “He is an incredible local member and he has done some incredible work as minister.”

When asked if he had told another political staff that then NSW Prime Minister Gladys Berejiklian chose a “rapist” for her cabinet, the complainant said he did not remember the conversation, but the words were consistent with his report.

He said he didn't tell anyone about the alleged sexual assault by 2019 because it was "incredibly embarrassing" and "things I wouldn't raise in the conversation."

The jury had previously heard that the man felt “dirty” and “confused” and asked himself if he had invited what he said was unnecessary progress.

Ward is also accused of hesitatingly attacking an intoxicated 18-year-old man at his South Coast home in 2013 after meeting the man at a cyber event.

The man claimed that the MP stroked his hips and scrotum and gave him an unwelcome back massage despite his repeated requests to stop.

Ward, who was accused of alleged assault in 2022, is fighting the allegations at trial for four weeks.

He has served as a Kiama voter since 2011, winning three elections before he won an independent seat in 2023.