Top Boy actor Micheal Ward has been cleared of rape and sexual assault charges after a jury at Snaresbrook Crown Court found him not guilty following a two-week trial in London.
This story falls under Entertainment
Follow our WhatsApp channel for more interesting and relevant news
Michael Ward has been found not guilty of rape and sexual assault charges after a jury cleared the Top Boy actor of all allegations at Snaresbrook Crown Court in London on Friday.
Ward, 28, was accused of raping and sexually assaulting a woman after the pair met outside a New Year’s party in east London in January 2023. He denied all charges, maintaining that the encounter was consensual.
What happened in Michael Ward’s trial
The actor faced two counts of rape, two counts of assault by penetration, and one count of sexual assault.
After hearing evidence during the two-week trial, the jury deliberated for five hours and 25 minutes before reaching unanimous not guilty verdicts on all charges.
Ward became emotional as the verdicts were read in court, with his family and friends reacting with relief from the public gallery.
He was helped from the courtroom by his defence lawyer after the decision was announced.
During the trial, Ward told the court that he believed both parties had been enjoying the encounter and described it as consensual.
“Everything we did was wholly consensual,” Ward said.
He told jurors that he believed there was “mutual attraction” between them and that the woman was actively participating during the encounter.
The case attracted significant public attention because of Ward’s profile as one of Britain’s most recognised young actors. Similar high-profile legal cases involving public figures have previously sparked debates about media coverage, privacy and the impact of allegations before court decisions are reached.
AudityNews readers can also follow more updates on celebrity court cases and legal developments..
Ward says career was put on hold for three and a half years
Following the verdict, Ward’s solicitor Humzah Ilyas said the legal process had caused a “profound impact” on the actor and those close to him.
In a statement, Mr Ilyas said Ward was grateful to the jury for carefully examining the evidence and that the actor was looking forward to returning to his career.
He said the investigation had lasted three and a half years, during which Ward’s personal life and acting career had been affected.
“Micheal is thankful this process has now reached a conclusion. He looks forward to getting back to the work he loves and focusing on the future,” the solicitor said.
Mr Ilyas also acknowledged victims of sexual violence, saying they deserved to be heard, treated with compassion and have allegations taken seriously.
Ward appeared emotional as the statement was delivered outside court. He also expressed gratitude to his family and faith.
Influencer removed from court during trial
The verdict came after controversy during the trial involving social media influencer Murad Merali.
Merali, who has more than half a million followers across platforms including YouTube and TikTok, was removed from the courtroom after Judge Rosa Dean ordered him to delete posts relating to the case.
The influencer was told to leave the building after the judge raised concerns over his social media activity during proceedings. The Attorney General’s Office is not expected to take further action.
Ward is best known for his role as Jamie in the critically acclaimed Netflix crime drama Top Boy, where he played a London drug dealer.
He won the BAFTA Rising Star Award in 2020 and has appeared in films including Blue Story and Sam Mendes’ Empire of Light.
Born in Jamaica, Ward moved to east London as a child and was raised by his mother alongside his three sisters after his father died in a car crash when he was two years old.
Related reads
- How John Dumelo Went From Movie Star to Farmer to Member of Parliament
- Dada Joe Remix Pleads Guilty In US Romance Fraud Case, Agrees To Repay $4.4 Million
- Daughters of Glorious Jesus reveal why they have stayed together for 37 years
- Sarkodie Opens Up On Friendship With Shatta Wale: “He’s Extremely Sincere and Stands By What He Says”
- Abu Trica extradition puts spotlight on 17 Ghana-linked individuals in U.S. fraud cases
Explore more
News | Business | Entertainment | Lifestyle | Sports
