Bafta-winning actor Micheal Ward was intent on his own pleasure and sought quick sex in the back of a car, prosecutors told Snaresbrook Crown Court on Wednesday. Ward, known for his role in the Netflix series "Top Boy," faces charges including two counts of rape, two counts of assault by penetration, and one count of sexual assault.
The alleged incident occurred on New Year's Day 2023, following an "all white" clothing party in Gants Hill, London. Prosecutors stated that Ward, 28, showed no concern for the woman's feelings or consent, focusing solely on his own gratification during an encounter in a Mercedes. The prosecution argued that the lack of subsequent communication between the two suggested the encounter was not consensual and that Ward was "only interested in his own gratification and was controlling and thoughtless of her feelings."
The defense, however, has contested the complainant's account, with counsel Sallie Bennett-Jenkins KC describing her as inconsistent and having told "a series of lies." The court heard that the woman claimed to have deleted messages exchanged with Ward and that forensic tests found no blood on her clothing, contrary to her claims. The defense characterized the interaction as "two young people who are attracted to each other engaged in physical contact when Micheal Ward at all times believed to be consensual."
Judge Rosa Dean instructed the jury to determine if consent was present during the sexual encounter, also considering whether there was a reasonable belief of consent. The prosecution's case is that Ward "did not care less" about consent, while the defense contends that the woman's actions suggested she was consenting.
Ward denies all charges. He was arrested on January 18, 2023, and stated in a prepared statement that he denied the allegations, asserting that the encounter was consensual. He was later charged on July 25, 2025.
Prior to these allegations, Ward gained recognition for his roles in "Blue Story" and the Netflix revival of "Top Boy." He also appeared in "Small Axe," the film "Empire of Light," and "The Beautiful Game." He was awarded the Rising Star prize at the Bafta Film Awards in 2020.