Actor Micheal Ward has appeared in court accused of raping and sexually assaulting a woman he met at a New Year's party in east London, allegations he strongly denies. The 28-year-old actor is currently standing trial at Snaresbrook Crown Court, where prosecutors allege the incidents took place after a fancy dress event hosted by Ward in the early hours of January 2, 2023.

Ward, who rose to prominence through roles in Blue Story and Top Boy, denies two counts of rape, two counts of assault by penetration and one count of sexual assault.

Opening the prosecution's case, Tracy Ayling KC told jurors: "This case is about the rape by this defendant of a young woman he met for the very first time at a party at the Infinity Lounge in Gant's Hill on 1 to 2 of January 2023."

The court heard that the complainant attended an all-white themed party with two friends and met Ward for the first time outside the venue. According to the prosecution, the actor asked for her Snapchat details, which she provided.

Ms Ayling said: "Micheal Ward was unknown personally to her at the time. She knew him to be an actor and had seen him on TV and in films. She knew it was his party."

Jurors were told the pair interacted several times throughout the evening before Ward allegedly invited the woman to an afterparty following the event.

The prosecution said that after spending a short time at the afterparty, the woman and her friends decided to leave after feeling uncomfortable with the atmosphere. It is alleged that Ward later approached her and suggested they speak privately near a Mercedes parked nearby.

According to the prosecution, Ward instructed her to follow him and later invited her into the back seat of the vehicle.

Ms Ayling told the court: "Mr Ward then invited her to climb into the back seat with him claiming that he just wanted to kiss her a bit more."

The court heard that the woman initially suggested remaining in the front seat but eventually entered the back of the car. “Mr Ward then invited her to climb into the back seat with him claiming that he just wanted to kiss her a bit more.” The woman said they could do that in the front seat but Ward allegedly became “quite impatient” and told her to “stop wasting time” and get into the back.

Prosecutors allege that after consensual kissing, the encounter became non-consensual despite the woman expressing discomfort and telling Ward she did not want to continue.

Ms Ayling said: "The complainant said that he then started kissing her again and kissed her breast. She said to him at that point 'I don't wanna do that'."

The prosecution further alleges that Ward ignored her objections and carried out a series of sexual acts without her consent.

Jurors were told that following the alleged incident, the actor spoke to the woman as if nothing unusual had happened.

Ms Ayling said: "He mentioned how busy he was at the moment and made her promise to come back and see him the next day."

The court also heard that the complainant initially chose not to report the allegations to police, claiming she felt intimidated by Ward's celebrity status and blamed herself for what had occurred.

Ward, who was born in Jamaica and raised in the UK, first appeared on screen in the 2016 film Brotherhood. He later gained widespread recognition for his role as Jamie in Netflix's Top Boy and earned critical acclaim for his performance in Blue Story, which won him the BAFTA Rising Star Award.

He also starred alongside Olivia Colman in Empire of Light, earning further industry recognition.

Ward denies all charges against him.

The trial continues.