BAFTA award-winner Michael Ward has been granted conditional bail after appearing in court to face charges of rape and sexual offences.
According to the case file, the 27-year-old actor, known for the films Blue Story and Top Boy, faces charges of two counts of rape, two counts of forcible penetration and one incident of sexual assault against a woman in January 2023.
Ward appeared at Thames Magistrates' Court on Thursday, where he gave personal details including his name, address and date of birth during a brief hearing.
The actor made no plea and was released on bail until his next appearance at Snaresbrook Crown Court on September 25.
One of the conditions of release was a ban on any contact with the alleged victim.
In a statement released after the charges were filed in August, Ward said, “I categorically deny all of the false allegations,” emphasizing his cooperation with law enforcement during the investigation.
The Jamaican-born actor won the BAFTA Award for Promising Newcomer in 2020 and was nominated for Best Supporting Actor in 2021 for his work in the BBC drama Small Axe and the 2022 film Empire of Light.
Last year, the artist took part in the Soccer Aid charity match at Stamford Bridge and also performed a Christmas carol at an event under the patronage of the Princess of Wales.
Ward's latest projects include the Hollywood film Eddington, starring Joaquin Phoenix and Pedro Pascal, which premiered this month.
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
