Top Boy star Michael Ward, 28, appears in court accused of raping and sexually assaulting woman ahead of trial next month

Published: 18:11, 19 May 2026 | Updated: 18:12, 19 May 2026 Top Boy star Michael Ward has appeared in court accused of rape and sexual assault ahead of his trial next month.  The 28-year-old, best known for his role as Jamie in Netflix's gritty drama Top Boy, denies two counts of rape, two of assault by penetration and one of sexual assault against a woman in Newham, east London, on January 2, 2023.  The Jamaican born actor made his name as one of the stars of cult hit Blue Story in 2019 and won the Rising Star prize at the Bafta Film Awards the following year.  Ward, of Cheshunt, Hertfordshire, appeared at Snaresbrook Crown Court via video-link today alongside his solicitor.  The actor remains on conditional bail on the notion that he does not contact the victim directly or indirectly ahead of his trial on June 29.  He will be represented at trial by defence barrister Sallie Bennett-Jenkins KC, with Tracy Ayling, KC, prosecuting.  Michael Ward is accused of rape and sexual assault against a woman on January 2, 2023 (pictured outside court in August, 2025)  The Top Boy actor denies the charges and remains on conditional bail until his trial on June 29   Once touted as a future James Bond, Ward also starred in acclaimed 2022 drama Empire of Light alongside Oscar-winner Olivia Colman, and celebrated the release of US pandemic-era Western movie Eddington with his 1.1million Instagram followers in August 2025.  He was nominated for the BAFTA for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Empire of Light and appeared at major international festivals including Cannes and Paris last year.  Ward also shared the screen with Bill Nighy last year in football drama The Beautiful Game.  Ward previously said he denied the charges ‘entirely’ and has cooperated with police fully throughout their investigation.  Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article.