Top Boy star in court on rape charges

Bafta-winning actor Micheal Ward has appeared in court docket on fees of rape and sexual assault.Mr Ward, 27, who is thought for roles in reveals and movies together with High Boy, Small Axe and Blue Story, was at Thames Magistrates Court docket in London for a brief preliminary listening to on Thursday.He’s charged with two counts of rape and three counts of sexual assault. He was granted bail and his case has been despatched to Snaresbrook Crown Court docket for an additional listening to on 25 September.The actor, of Cheshunt, Hertfordshire, hasn’t but been requested to enter a proper plea, however has beforehand stated he denies the fees “completely”.In an announcement after he was charged in July, he added that he had co-operated with police absolutely all through their investigation and had full religion it could result in his identify being cleared.The alleged offences relate to at least one lady and are reported to have taken place in January 2023, based on the Metropolitan Police.Mr Ward arrived for Thursday’s listening to sporting darkish glasses and a black jacket, and spoke to substantiate his identify, handle and date of start. The actor made his identify as one of many stars of cult hit Blue Story in 2019, and received the Rising Star prize on the Bafta Movie Awards the next 12 months.He performed Jamie in Netflix hit High Boy from 2019 to 22, and was nominated for finest supporting actor on the Bafta TV Awards for Small Axe in 2021.The Jamaican-born actor additionally starred in acclaimed 2022 drama Empire of Gentle, and will likely be seen in US pandemic-era Western film Eddington, which was launched within the UK final weekend.