Top Boy actor Micheal Ward’s lawyer has told the court they will seek to have sexual allegations against him thrown out. The 27-year-old, who plays Jamie in the hit Netflix drama, faces two counts of rape, two counts of assault by penetration, and one count of sexual assault involving one woman in January 2023.

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Ward appeared at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Friday for what was scheduled as a plea and trial preparation hearing, but his lawyer has alternatively requested a dismissal hearing. The next court date is set for December 5, with Ward remaining on bail under conditions restricting him from contacting the victim.

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He was previously granted bail in August after being charged with rape and sexual assault. Ward appeared at Thames Magistrates’ Court on 28 August, confirming his name, address, and date of birth during a brief hearing. During the hearing, no pleas were entered, and Ward was given conditional bail to return to Snaresbrook Crown Court on 25 September, with the same condition of not contacting the victim.

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After the charges were announced last month, Ward said in a statement, “I deny the charges against me entirely,” adding that he had fully cooperated with police during the investigation. Ward notably won the Bafta Rising Star award in 2020 and received nominations for Best Supporting Actor at the Baftas for his roles in the BBC’s Small Axe (2021) and the film Empire of Light (2022). He also appears alongside Joaquin Phoenix and Pedro Pascal in the film Eddington, which was released this month.

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Fans appeared torn by the charges placed against Ward, with some believing he is innocent and others expressing disappointment in his alleged actions. Several commenters wrote “innocent until proven guilty”, whilst another commenter advocated for women’s allegations to be taken seriously, saying: “Believe women first”. However, a wave of commenters pointed out that people have become cautious when choosing to believe such allegations, particularly following speculation that viral health coach Victoria Everest had faked rape allegations in the past.