Bafta-winning actor Micheal Ward has appeared before Thames Magistrates’ Court in London on charges of rape and sexual assault. The 27-year-old, best known for his roles in Top Boy, Blue Story, and Steve McQueen’s Small Axe, is facing two counts of rape and three counts of sexual assault in connection with allegations made by one woman.
According to the Metropolitan Police, the alleged offences are said to have taken place in January 2023. Ward, who resides in Cheshunt, Hertfordshire, has consistently denied the accusations. In a statement released in July following his charge, he stressed his full cooperation with the police investigation and expressed confidence that the process would clear his name.
During Thursday’s short preliminary hearing, Ward, wearing dark glasses and a black jacket, confirmed his name, address and date of birth. He was granted bail, and the case was referred to Snaresbrook Crown Court, where a further hearing has been scheduled for 25 September. He has not yet been formally required to enter a plea.
Ward rose to prominence with his breakthrough performance in Blue Story (2019), which earned him widespread acclaim. A year later, he was named the Bafta Rising Star. He went on to play Jamie in the Netflix hit Top Boy from 2019 until 2022 and was later nominated for Best Supporting Actor at the 2021 Bafta TV Awards for Small Axe.
The Jamaican-born actor’s growing career has also included roles in Sam Mendes’ Empire of Light (2022) and, most recently, the US pandemic-era Western Eddington, which was released in UK cinemas last weekend.
