Top Boy actor Micheal Ward cleared of rape and sexual assault charges

Actor Micheal Ward has been acquitted of five charges, including two counts of rape and two counts of assault by penetration, following a 10-day trial at Snaresbrook Crown Court. The charges stemmed from an alleged encounter with a woman he met at a New Year's Day party in Ilford in 2023. Prosecutors claimed Ward sexually assaulted and raped the woman in a car, but Ward denied the allegations, stating the encounter was consensual. The defense highlighted a lack of forensic evidence supporting the complainant's account. Ward, known for his roles in "Top Boy" and "Small Axe," was arrested later that month and maintained his innocence. The jury returned unanimous not guilty verdicts on all charges.

British actor Micheal Ward has been acquitted of rape and sexual assault charges by a London jury. The 28-year-old, known for his role in "Top Boy," was found not guilty on Friday at Snaresbrook Crown Court of two counts of rape, two counts of assault by penetration, and one count of sexual assault. The allegations stemmed from an incident in a Mercedes in 2023. Ward had denied all charges. His defense lawyer stated that Ward is eager to return to his acting career.