British actor Micheal Ward has denied raping a woman, telling a jury that the encounter in the back of a car was consensual and that he believed they were "having a great time."
Ward, 28, faces two charges of rape and three counts of sexual assault. The alleged incident occurred on January 2, 2023, after he met the woman at an east London nightclub.
Appearing at Snaresbrook Crown Court, Ward stated that he and the woman shared a "quite flirty" conversation and "passionate" kisses, which evolved into a "developing situation." He told the court that she was an "active participant" and that "everything we did was wholly consensual."
The Bafta-award winner, known for his roles in "Blue Story" and the Netflix series "Top Boy," testified that he perceived mutual attraction and that the woman was "reciprocating the energy" and pulling him closer. He stated that she "never mentioned anything about wanting to leave."
Previously, the woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, told the jury that she "did not understand the situation" she was in and would not have entered the car if she had known. She recalled feeling flattered when Ward, whom she knew from television and film, asked for her Snapchat handle. She testified that she "did not use the word no" during the encounter and "completely shut down," but also stated she told Ward she needed to leave on multiple occasions.
Ward testified that after the encounter, the woman seemed "absolutely fine" and they engaged in "nice and engaging general conversation." Messages exchanged afterward included him sending a smiling emoji with a heart, and her responding to enjoy the rest of his night.
When questioned by his lawyer, Ward stated that the woman did not do anything to indicate she did not want the encounter to continue, adding, "No miss, if she did, we would not have done it."
The court heard from the woman's friend, who stated that the woman's "demeanour was off" and "she kept on crying" on the way home after the alleged assault. The alleged victim reportedly ordered an STI kit on her way home and indicated she had been sexually assaulted when completing a form.
Ward received the Bafta Rising Star Award in 2020 and has since received two nominations for his roles in "Small Axe" and the film "Empire of Light." The trial is ongoing.