Updated
Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jul 6
Micheal Ward Denies 5 Sex Charges, Tells Jury Car Encounter Was Consensual
Updated
Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jul 6

Micheal Ward Denies 5 Sex Charges, Tells Jury Car Encounter Was Consensual

3 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jul 6

Summary

  • Ward, 28, told Snaresbrook Crown Court on Monday that the January 2023 encounter in the back of a car was "wholly consensual" and that he believed they were "having a great time."
  • Two rape charges and three sexual assault counts stem from an alleged incident after Ward met the woman at an east London nightclub and invited her into a car during a New Year party he was hosting.
  • Ward said the pair had a "quite flirty" conversation, exchanged "passionate" kisses and that the woman was an "active participant" who never indicated she wanted to leave.
  • The complainant told jurors last week she "completely shut down" and asked to leave multiple times, while a friend said she was crying afterward and the court heard she ordered an STI kit on her way home.
  • The Bafta-winning actor, known for Top Boy and Blue Story, is standing trial in London; proceedings continue.

Insights

As Europe moves to 'yes means yes' consent laws, could this celebrity trial redefine rape in the UK?
When a victim 'freezes' instead of saying no, how can the justice system prove an encounter was non-consensual?
He sent a heart emoji; she ordered an STI kit. How can a jury decipher the truth from their conflicting actions?