British actor, Micheal Ward has been found not guilty of rape and sexual assault charges by a jury at Snaresbrook Crown Court.

The 28-year-old, best known for his role as Jamie in the popular Netflix series Top Boy, broke down in tears as the verdicts were read out. Family and friends in the public gallery reacted with visible relief after the unanimous decision following several hours of deliberation.

Ward had denied all five charges, which included two counts of rape, two counts of assault by penetration, and one count of sexual assault. The allegations stemmed from an incident in January 2023 when he was accused of assaulting a woman in the back of a Mercedes after meeting her outside a New Year’s party in east London.

Throughout the two-week trial, the actor maintained that the encounter was entirely consensual.

Following the verdict, Ward’s solicitor, Humzah Ilyas, expressed gratitude to the jury for carefully considering the evidence. He noted that the case had a profound impact on Ward’s personal life and acting career, which had been on hold for over three and a half years during the investigation.

The solicitor added that Ward looked forward to returning to the work he loves.

The actor, who was born in Jamaica and raised in east London, won the BAFTA Rising Star Award in 2020 and has appeared in several films including Blue Story and Empire of Light. The not guilty verdict brings an end to a long legal ordeal for the rising star. Ward’s legal team also acknowledged the importance of supporting victims of sexual violence while emphasizing the need for fair trials.

The case has drawn significant public attention due to Ward’s popularity as a talented actor. Many fans and supporters have welcomed the outcome, while others have called for continued focus on addressing sexual harassment and assault issues in the entertainment industry. Ward is now expected to resume his career after the lengthy court process.