Bafta-winning actor Micheal Ward, renowned for his roles in "Top Boy" and "Empire of Light," has appeared in court facing serious allegations of rape and sexual assault. The 27-year-old actor attended a preliminary hearing at Thames Magistrates Court in London, where he was charged with two counts of rape and three counts of sexual assault. These charges relate to alleged incidents involving one woman in January 2023.

Ward, who hails from Cheshunt, Hertfordshire, arrived at the court wearing dark glasses and a black jacket. During the brief hearing, he confirmed his name, address, and date of birth but did not enter any pleas. He has been granted conditional bail and is set to appear at Snaresbrook Crown Court for a further hearing on 25 September.

In a statement released after the charges were announced in July, Ward firmly denied the allegations, stating, "I deny the charges against me entirely. I have cooperated fully with the police throughout their investigation and will continue to cooperate." He expressed confidence that the legal proceedings would ultimately clear his name.

Micheal Ward first gained attention in the 2016 film "Brotherhood" and rose to prominence with his portrayal of Jamie in the Netflix hit "Top Boy" from 2019 to 2022. His performance earned him the Bafta Rising Star award in 2020. He has also been recognized for his roles in "Small Axe" and the Sam Mendes-directed "Empire of Light," where he was nominated for best supporting actor.

Despite the ongoing legal proceedings, Ward continues to make headlines in the entertainment industry. He stars alongside Joaquin Phoenix and Pedro Pascal in the pandemic-era Western "Eddington," which was recently released in UK cinemas.