Micheal Ward<\/a> sobbed as he was found not guilty of rape and sexual assault on Friday (10Jul26). <\/p>\n <\/p>\n
Micheal Ward acquitted of rape<\/p>\n
The 28-year-old actor failed to control his emotions as the charges and verdicts were read out in Snaresbrook Crown Court, London, before he burst into tears as he was acquitted of all charges against him. <\/p>\n
Ward – who won the EE Rising Star BAFTA Award in 2020 – had denied two counts of rape, two counts of assault by penetration, and one count of sexual assault from a woman he met outside a London New Year\u2019s party in January 2023. <\/p>\n
Throughout the trial, which ran for two weeks, Ward insisted he thought everything he and the woman had done was \u201cwholly consensual\u201d.<\/p>\n
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He said: “We engaged in consensual sex, had a great time and she was actively participating in what we were doing all the time.”<\/p>\n
\nThe jury took five hours and 25 minutes to reach the not guilty verdict. <\/p>\n
\nSpeaking outside the court, Ward\u2019s defence lawyer Humzah Ilyas said: \u201cAs he maintained throughout this case, this was a consensual sexual encounter. The jury agreed and cleared him of all wrongdoing. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cIt has been three-and-a-half years since the police started investigating this matter, during which time Micheal’s life, as well as his successful career, has been put on hold. This has, inevitably, had a profound impact on him and those closest to him.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cMicheal is thankful this process has now reached a conclusion. He looks forward to getting back to doing the work he loves and focussing on the future.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nThe statement continued: \u201cAs he starts to rebuild his life, Micheal would like to acknowledge those who have experienced sexual violence and abuse. They deserve to be heard, treated with compassion, and have their allegations taken seriously.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nThe screen star looked emotional as he stood next to his lawyer and listened to the statement being read out. <\/p>\n
\nIlyas concluded: \u201cMicheal would like to thank God and his family. He is very appreciative of everyone who stood by him. <\/p>\n
\n\u201cTheir support, prayers and love helped carry him.”<\/p>\n
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