Micheal Ward, the Bafta-winning actor known for his role in the Netflix series "Top Boy," has denied allegations of rape and sexual assault. Appearing at Snaresbrook Crown Court, Ward, 28, faces accusations of two counts of rape, two counts of assault by penetration, and one count of sexual assault against a woman in January 2023. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Ward testified that the alleged incident, which occurred in a Mercedes-Benz after a party, was a consensual encounter. He told the court that he and the woman had flirted at the party and engaged in foreplay and passionate kissing. He described the woman as an "active participant" and stated that an intimate act would not have occurred if she had not consented.
"We had a mutual attraction with each other. We engaged in consensual sex, had a great time and she was actively participating in what we were doing all the time," Ward stated when questioned by defense counsel Sallie Bennett-Jenkins KC.
Ward, of Silvertown in London, explained that he was hosting a New Year's party on January 1, 2023. He recalled seeing the woman for the first time outside the venue and engaging in a "flirty conversation." He claimed to have received a great vibe from her and that she later sent him a message indicating she was waiting by a car and had enjoyed the party.
He told the court that their conversation in the car was "light" and "cool," and that what ensued was a "continuation of the flirting." He described mutual touching and kissing, stating, "She was touching me and I was touching her." He added that the woman was "reciprocating the energy" and "pulling me close," which he interpreted as an "inviting act."
After the encounter in the front of the car, Ward invited the woman to the back seat, which she accepted. He testified that she gave no indication of wanting to leave, and the car door remained unlocked. He stated that they kissed again and became involved in a "developing situation," which he felt she wanted to be part of. He characterized the progression as "natural hot way" and that she was "actively participating."
During cross-examination, Ward stated that if the woman had shown any sign of not wanting what was happening, they would have stopped. He said he did not force her, and that they kissed, hugged, and talked before she left. He mentioned he had wished to see her again but had a busy work schedule.
Later, Ward sent the woman a message with a smiling emoji and a heart, indicating he would miss her, to which she replied wishing him to enjoy the rest of his night.
Previously, the court heard a recorded police interview from the alleged victim, who described Ward as "overpowering." She stated she tried to leave the vehicle, but Ward told her to close the door. The prosecution presented that Ward then allegedly made attempts to engage her in a sex act, which she said lasted for "no more than three minutes" the first time. The woman described feeling "numb" and "scared," wanting the encounter to be over. The prosecution claims Ward then forced her to engage in the act a second time, allegedly saying, "If I tell you to do it, you do it." The complainant stated she did not feel she had a choice and did not want to do it, feeling she could leave once he "got what he wanted."
Ward was arrested on January 18, 2023. In a prepared statement to police, he stated, "I deny the allegation of rape. I want to put on record that we had consensual foreplay and consensual sex." He was subsequently charged on July 25, 2025. The trial is ongoing.