British-Jamaican Actor Micheal Ward cleared of rape and sexual assault charges
Key Points(5)
- British-Jamaican actor Micheal Ward has been found not guilty of rape, sexual assault and related offences following a trial at London's Snaresbrook Crown Court, bringing to an end a legal battle that placed one of Britain's rising stars under intense public scrutiny.
- The 28-year-old actor, best known for his acclaimed performances in Top Boy , Small Axe and Blue Story , was acquitted on Friday after a 10-day trial over allegations stemming from an encounter on New Year's Day in 2023.
- Ward had faced two counts of rape, two counts of assault by penetration and one count of sexual assault.
- Throughout the proceedings, he denied all allegations, maintaining that the sexual encounter was consensual.
- Following the jury's verdict, Ward reportedly broke down in tears in the courtroom as the not guilty verdicts were delivered.
British-Jamaican actor Micheal Ward has been found not guilty of rape, sexual assault and related offences following a trial at London's Snaresbrook Crown Court, bringing to an end a legal battle that placed one of Britain's rising stars under intense public scrutiny.
The 28-year-old actor, best known for his acclaimed performances in Top Boy, Small Axe and Blue Story, was acquitted on Friday after a 10-day trial over allegations stemming from an encounter on New Year's Day in 2023.
Ward had faced two counts of rape, two counts of assault by penetration and one count of sexual assault. Throughout the proceedings, he denied all allegations, maintaining that the sexual encounter was consensual.
Following the jury's verdict, Ward reportedly broke down in tears in the courtroom as the not guilty verdicts were delivered.
The charges related to allegations made by a woman whom Ward met at a New Year's Day party in Ilford, east London. Prosecutors alleged that after both attended a separate after-party in Stratford, Ward invited the woman into the back of a Mercedes vehicle, where they claimed he sexually assaulted and raped her..
Ward rejected those allegations throughout the trial. Giving evidence in his own defence, he told jurors that the pair had been "friendly and flirty" throughout the evening and described the encounter as entirely consensual.
His legal team welcomed the verdict, noting that the actor had effectively placed his flourishing career on hold during the three-year legal process.
According to his lawyer, Ward is now looking forward to returning to work following the conclusion of the case.
Born in Jamaica before relocating to the United Kingdom as a child, Ward has emerged as one of the most recognisable actors of Caribbean heritage working in British film and television. His breakthrough performance in the critically acclaimed crime drama Top Boy earned widespread recognition, while his work in Blue Story, The Book of Clarence and Eddington further established his reputation as a versatile performer.
In 2020, Ward received the prestigious BAFTA Rising Star Award, an accolade voted on by the public that recognises emerging acting talent.
With the trial now concluded and the jury returning unanimous not guilty verdicts on all counts, Ward is expected to resume his acting career after what his defence described as a lengthy and challenging chapter in his personal and professional life.
