Micheal Ward granted conditional bail over alleged offences

Bafta winning actor Micheal Ward, 27, was granted conditional bail on Thursday after appearing at Thames Magistrates Court in London charged in connection with alleged offences reported to have taken place in January 2023. Ward, known for roles in Top Boy and Blue Story, attended a short preliminary hearing where he confirmed his name, address and date of birth and was sent to Snaresbrook Crown Court for a further hearing on September 25.

Court and police accounts differ over the precise charges. Charge sheets and media reports variously describe two counts of assault with either three counts of sexual assault, or two counts of assault by penetration and one count of sexual assault, all said to involve one woman. The Metropolitan Police has said the alleged offences relate to a single woman and that its specialist officers continue to support her. Detective Superintendent Scott Ware said his team is supporting the woman who has come forward and that investigations of this nature can have significant impact on those who make reports.

No plea was entered at Thursday's hearing and Ward was released on bail with a condition that he must not contact the alleged victim directly or...