Top Boy actor Micheal Ward has arrived at Thames Magistrates’ Court this morning as he faces serious sex offence charges, including two counts of rape.
The 27-year-old, dressed in a dark suit and sunglasses, kept his head down as he entered the East London court shortly before 10am, flanked by legal representatives.
This marks his first appearance in court since the charges were formally authorised by the Crown Prosecution Service.
Ward, who rose to fame for his role as Jamie in Netflix’s hit series Top Boy, is accused of raping and sexually assaulting a woman in January 2023.
The charges include two counts of rape, two counts of assault by penetration, and one count of sexual assault. All offences relate to one female complainant.
The Jamaican-born British actor, of Cheshunt, Hertfordshire, did not speak to reporters as he made his way inside.
Detective Superintendent Scott Ware of the Metropolitan Police said his team continues to support the alleged victim, adding: ‘Our specialist officers continue to support the woman who has come forward — we know investigations of this nature can have significant impact on those who make reports.’
Catherine Baccas, Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS London South, said on Tuesday: ‘Having carefully reviewed a file of evidence, the Crown Prosecution Service has authorised the Metropolitan Police to charge Micheal Ward, 27, with two counts of rape, two counts of assault by penetration, and one count of sexual assault against a woman in January 2023.’
‘We remind all concerned that proceedings against the suspect are active and he has a right to a fair trial. It is vital that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.’
Ward won the BAFTA Rising Star Award in 2020 and has since appeared in several acclaimed films including Small Axe, Empire of Light and The Beautiful Game.
Just months ago, he was seen attending film festivals in Cannes and Paris for his latest project Eddington, alongside Joaquin Phoenix and Emma Stone.