British actor Micheal Ward has been cleared of raping a woman whom he allegedly assaulted in the back of a car. Ward, 28, denied two charges of rape and three charges of sexual assault. A jury at Snaresbrook Crown Court acquitted him on all counts on Friday (July 10).
Details of the Encounter
He had met the woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, at an east London nightclub on January 2, 2023. Bafta winner Ward, best known for the film Blue Story and Netflix series Top Boy, said: "Everything we did was wholly consensual." Throughout the trial, Ward told the jury he believed they were "having a great time" during the encounter.
The court heard that the actor, who played gang leader Jamie in Top Boy, considered the woman "very cute" upon meeting her and sensed "there was interest there". He then invited her to join him in a car, where there was a "continuation of the flirting".
Ward's Testimony
"She was reciprocating the energy. She was pulling me close. For me, that was an inviting act, and we were both enjoying that moment," Ward said, adding that she "never mentioned anything about wanting to leave". He informed the jury she had appeared "absolutely fine" and had a "nice and engaging general conversation". The pair later exchanged messages, with Ward sending a smiling heart emoji, and she told him to enjoy the rest of his night.
Contrasting Account from the Accuser
However, in court, the woman broke down while giving a contrasting account of events. She said she "never would have got in that car with him" had she known what would happen. The woman denied that the interaction was consensual to Sallie Bennett-Jenkins KC, defending for Ward, telling the court that "Micheal raped me". The woman stated she "completely shut down" and "did not use the word no" during the alleged assault. The individual said she repeatedly told Ward she needed to leave "on multiple occasions". On her way home with a friend, she ordered an STI kit, ticking a box asking if she had been sexually assaulted.
Police Investigation and Statement
When Ward was arrested on January 18 that year, he told police in a prepared statement: "I deny the allegation of rape. I want to put on record that we had consensual foreplay and consensual sex." Speaking outside court today, Humzah Ilyas, of Hickman & Rose, said: "Micheal Ward is enormously grateful to the members of the jury for taking the time to examine the evidence in this case with such care."
"As he maintained throughout this case, this was a consensual sexual encounter. The jury agreed and cleared him of all wrongdoing. It has been three-and-a-half years since the police started investigating this matter, during which time Micheal's life, as well as his successful career, has been put on hold. This has, inevitably, had a profound impact on him and those closest to him."
Ward's Future Plans
"Micheal is thankful this process has now reached a conclusion. He looks forward to getting back to doing the work he loves and focussing on the future. As he starts to rebuild his life, Micheal would like to acknowledge those who have experienced sexual violence and abuse. They deserve to be heard, treated with compassion, and have their allegations taken seriously."
"Micheal would like to thank God and his family. He is very appreciative of everyone who stood by him. Their support, prayers and love helped carry him." Ward stood next to his solicitor as the statement was read out and appeared emotional throughout.
