BAFTA-winning actor Micheal Ward is on trial at Snaresbrook Crown Court, accused of raping and sexually assaulting a woman on New Year's Day 2023. The 28-year-old, known for his roles in "Top Boy" and "Blue Story," denies two counts of rape, two counts of assault by penetration, and one count of sexual assault.
Tracy Ayling KC, prosecuting, told the court that Ward met the woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, at an "all white" party in Gant's Hill. According to the prosecution, the woman knew Ward as an actor but not personally. After exchanging Snapchat details, she saw him intermittently during the evening. The prosecution alleges that Ward touched her bottom as he walked past and later invited her to an afterparty.
Following the initial party, jurors heard that Ward allegedly attempted to kiss the woman and perform a sex act in the back of a friend's car, which she consented to. They then proceeded to an afterparty in Stratford. The prosecutor stated that the alleged victim felt an "odd vibe" and decided to leave with her friends.
Outside the venue, Ward reportedly asked the woman to walk with him to a car further up the road to talk. The prosecution claims Ward instructed her to walk behind him and not speak to anyone. He then allegedly invited her into the back seat of a car, stating he just wanted to kiss her more.
When the woman suggested they sit in the front, Ward became "impatient" and told her to "stop wasting time," the prosecutor said. The woman reported feeling pressured but complied. Ward is then alleged to have kissed her and touched her intimately.
The woman told the court she expressed discomfort with the situation in public, but Ward allegedly continued and asked her to "just let him do it quickly," attempting to position her and pull down her trousers. The prosecution stated she was turned around to face the car door before he raped and orally raped her, allegedly using vulgar language.
After the alleged assault, the prosecution said Ward spoke "as though nothing had happened," discussing his busy schedule and asking her to promise to see him the next day.
The woman initially did not report the incident to the police, telling investigators she did not fully understand what had occurred and felt unable to speak out due to Ward's public profile. She also blamed herself for the situation.
Ward contacted the woman after the alleged attack, and she replied to some of his messages. When questioned by police about her replies, she stated she did not have a clear explanation and wanted to forget about the incident and move on.
Micheal Ward gained recognition for his role in the 2019 film "Blue Story" and won the BAFTA Rising Star award in 2020. His other credits include the BBC series "Small Axe," the film "Empire of Light," "The Beautiful Game," and "Eddington."