British actor Micheal Ward was found not guilty by a London jury on July 10, 2026, of rape and sexual assault charges. The verdict was delivered at the Central Criminal Court, also known as the Old Bailey, after a trial that lasted several weeks.
Trial Details
Ward, 29, had been accused of three counts of rape and one count of sexual assault involving a woman in her 20s. The alleged incidents were said to have occurred in 2021 at a private residence in London. The actor consistently denied all allegations, stating that any sexual activity was consensual.
The jury deliberated for approximately 12 hours over two days before reaching unanimous verdicts of not guilty on all charges. Judge Mark Lucraft KC directed the jury to enter formal verdicts of acquittal.
Defense and Prosecution Arguments
During the trial, the prosecution argued that Ward had used his celebrity status to coerce the complainant. However, the defense presented evidence including text messages and witness testimony that suggested the interactions were consensual. Ward's barrister, John Kelsey-Fry KC, told the court that the complainant had previously expressed admiration for Ward and had initiated contact.
In a statement read outside court, Ward said: “I am relieved that the jury has seen through the false allegations made against me. I have always maintained my innocence, and I am grateful to my legal team and my family for their support throughout this ordeal.”
Impact on Career
Ward is best known for his roles in the Netflix series Top Boy and the film The Harder They Fall. The trial had led to some projects being put on hold, but representatives say several film offers are now being considered. The acquittal is expected to allow him to resume his acting career without further legal impediments.
The complainant, who cannot be named for legal reasons, did not comment after the verdict. The Crown Prosecution Service said it respected the jury's decision.
