Prosecutor Tracy Ayling KC opened the criminal trial of Bafta-winning actor Micheal Ward at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Monday.
The court heard allegations that the television star raped and sexually assaulted a woman inside a vehicle in January 2023.
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The 28-year-old actor, known for roles in Top Boy and Blue Story, has pleaded not guilty to two counts of rape, two counts of assault by penetration, and one count of sexual assault involving a single complainant.
According to the prosecution, the initial interaction occurred when Ward encountered the alleged victim at an “all-white party” at the Infinity Lounge nightclub in Gant’s Hill, east London, on New Year’s Day.
The woman recognized Ward from his television and film appearances before he requested her social media contact details.
As attendees left the venue around 2:20 a. m.
on January 2, the woman was invited to accompany Ward to a friend's vehicle. They shared a brief interaction before traveling to an afterparty in Stratford.
Jurors heard that the complainant experienced a “weird vibe” at the gathering and decided to leave shortly after arriving with her friends.
The court was told that Ward followed her outside, instructed her to walk behind him to a parked vehicle, and escalated his actions after moving into the back seat.
The complainant reportedly expressed her objections, stating “I don’t wanna do that.” Ms. Ayling said the woman clearly indicated she did not want to be in that situation.
