A woman at the centre of allegations against actor Michael Ward has unequivocally denied suggestions that a sexual encounter between them was consensual. The 28-year-old actor, best known for his roles in 'Top Boy' and 'Small Axe', is currently on trial, denying two counts of rape and three charges of sexual assault against the woman.
During her evidence to the jury, the alleged victim broke down, stating she did not understand the situation she was in. She maintained that had she known what would happen, she would never have got into the car with Ward. Despite being aware of his acting career and having seen him in films, she claimed she felt flattered when he asked for her social media details.
When cross-examined by Sallie Bennett-Jenkins KC, representing Ward, the woman was adamant that 'what happened in the back of the car was not consensual'. She recounted becoming emotional as she explained that while she did not use the word 'no', she had completely shut down during the alleged assault on 2 January 2023. The court heard she repeatedly told Ward she needed to leave, but he allegedly continued.
A friend of the alleged victim also took the stand, describing her demeanour as 'off' and that she was visibly distressed after the alleged incident. The friend had asked if she had been raped or assaulted, sensing something was wrong. Furthermore, it was revealed that the alleged victim ordered an STI kit on her way home, specifically ticking a box indicating she had been sexually assaulted.
Ward, who has received numerous awards and nominations for his performances, including the Bafta Rising Star Award in 2020, provided a prepared statement to police following his arrest. In it, he denied the allegations, stating 'we had consensual foreplay and consensual sex'.