The verdict has been delivered at Snaresbrook Crown Court, with actor Michael Ward being acquitted on all counts. The 28-year-old's acquittal on two charges of rape and three of sexual assault marks a dramatic conclusion to a highly publicised trial that saw both sides present starkly contrasting accounts.
At the heart of the case were events alleged to have taken place at an East London nightclub on 2 January 2023. Ward maintained throughout the trial that his interactions with the woman, who cannot be named due to legal restrictions, were entirely consensual. He testified that she had been "reciprocating the energy" and "pulling me close," which he interpreted as a clear invitation for further physical contact.
However, the accuser's account painted a very different picture. She broke down in tears as she recounted the events of that night, denying that she had ever given her consent to engage in any sexual activity with Ward. Instead, she claimed that she "completely shut down" during the alleged attack and repeatedly told him she needed to leave.
Ward's prepared statement to police following his arrest on 18 January 2023 further underscored his insistence on consensual engagement. He asserted: "I deny the allegation of rape. I want to put on record that we had consensual foreplay and consensual sex." The jury ultimately accepted Ward's account, returning a unanimous verdict of not guilty on all counts.
Ward rose to prominence in 2020 after being awarded the Bafta Rising Star Award, going on to receive further nominations for his performances in the BBC's Small Axe and the 2022 film Empire of Light. His subsequent acquittal has sparked a mixture of reactions from fans and detractors alike, with many continuing to grapple with the complexities of the case.
The verdict marks the conclusion of this high-profile trial, but it is clear that its impact will be felt for some time to come. As the court proceedings draw to a close, attention now turns to the aftermath and what this acquittal may mean for Ward's career in the long term.