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Top Boy actor Micheal Ward charged with rape and sexual assault

Top Boy actor Micheal Ward charged with rape and sexual assault

Independent25-07-2025
Bafta-nominated actor Micheal Ward, who has appeared in Blue Story and Top Boy, has been charged with rape and sexual assault, the Metropolitan Police said.
The 27-year-old is accused of offences against one woman in January 2023, according to the force.
Catherine Baccas, deputy chief crown prosecutor for CPS London South, said: 'Having carefully reviewed a file of evidence, the Crown Prosecution Service has authorised the Metropolitan Police to charge Micheal Ward, 27, with two counts of rape, two counts of assault by penetration, and one count of sexual assault against a woman in January 2023.
'He will appear at Thames Magistrates' Court on Thursday 28 August 2025. We remind all concerned that proceedings against the suspect are active and he has a right to a fair trial.
'It is vital that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in anyway prejudice these proceedings.'
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