Key facts
- Actor Micheal Ward was acquitted of rape and sexual assault charges.
- The jury returned unanimous not guilty verdicts on all five charges.
- Ward denied the allegations, stating the encounter was consensual.
- The charges related to an incident in January 2023.
- Ward is known for his roles in 'Top Boy' and 'Blue Story'.
British actor Micheal Ward has been cleared of rape and sexual assault charges by a London jury. Ward, 28, who is known for his roles in the crime drama 'Top Boy' and Steve McQueen’s 'Small Axe,' was acquitted of two counts of rape, two counts of assault by penetration, and one count of sexual assault after a 10-day trial at Snaresbrook crown court. The charges stemmed from an alleged encounter in January 2023. Prosecutors claimed Ward sexually assaulted the woman in the back of a Mercedes, while Ward testified that the encounter was consensual and that the woman was a "willing participant." His defense highlighted that forensic evidence found no blood on the complainant's clothing, contrary to her testimony. Ward's 'Top Boy' co-star, Jasmine Jobson, testified on his behalf, describing him as a "beautiful soul." The jury returned unanimous not guilty verdicts after a day of deliberations. A social media influencer was removed from court for posting videos commenting on the trial proceedings.