British actor Micheal Ward has been acquitted of a mix of rape and sexual assault charges in a court case that saw him stand trial in the UK’s capital — the judge handed down the not-guilty verdict after a high-profile case in the country’s biggest case resulted in a 12-year trial.
Best known for his roles in Top Boy, Blue Story and Empire of Light, Ward has been denying the allegations throughout the trial. The jurors found him not guilty, unanimously, after weighing the evidence presented by the prosecution and defense, and found him not guilty.
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The case was sparked by a woman claiming she was sexually assaulted by the actor. In the course of the trial, prosecutors contended that the crimes were committed after the pair encountered each other, while the defense insisted that Ward “took no part” in the crimes and rejected the prosecution’s version of events over the course of the trial.
Shortly after the verdict, Ward stated that he is happy with the result and thanked his team, family and supporters for their support. He noted that the trial had been tough on him personally and professionally, but vowed to “get back up” from it on both the personal and professional side of his life.
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The jury’s verdict was welcomed by the actor’s legal representatives saying it was a vindication of Ward’s position since the beginning of the proceedings. They advised the general public to abide by the decision and let their client proceed.
Gaining fame after winning the BAFTA Rising Star Award, Ward is one of the most recognizable young actors in the UK for outstanding work in television and film. He was hailed as one of the biggest talents of his time for his role in Top Boy.
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The acquittal marks the end of his criminal case, and now the actor must face back the challenges of resuming his career after months of legal proceedings and appearing often in the media spotlight.
