Top Boy star Micheal Ward in court on rape charges

Bafta-winning actor Micheal Ward has appeared in court on charges of rape and sexual assault.

Mr Ward, 27, who is known for roles in shows and films including Top Boy, Small Axe and Blue Story, was at Thames Magistrates Court in London for a short preliminary hearing on Thursday.

He is charged with two counts of rape and three counts of sexual assault. He was granted bail and his case has been sent to Snaresbrook Crown Court for a further hearing on 25 September.

The actor, of Cheshunt, Hertfordshire, hasn't yet been asked to enter a formal plea, but has previously said he denies the charges "entirely".

In a statement after he was charged in July, he added that he had co-operated with police fully throughout their investigation and had full faith it would lead to his name being cleared.

The alleged offences relate to one woman and are reported to have taken place in January 2023, according to the Metropolitan Police.

Mr Ward arrived for Thursday's hearing wearing dark glasses and a black jacket, and spoke to confirm his name, address and date of birth.

The 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.

He played Jamie in Netflix hit Top Boy from 2019 to 22, and was nominated for best supporting actor at the Bafta TV Awards for Small Axe in 2021.

The Jamaican-born actor also starred in acclaimed 2022 drama Empire of Light, and will be seen in US pandemic-era Western movie Eddington, which was released in the UK last weekend.