British actor Micheal Ward has been acquitted of rape and multiple sexual assault charges following a trial in a London court.

A jury at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Friday found the 28-year-old not guilty of two counts of rape, two counts of assault by penetration and one count of sexual assault stemming from allegations that he assaulted a woman inside a Mercedes in 2023.

Ward had consistently denied all the allegations and maintained throughout the proceedings that he believed he would be exonerated.

Best known for his role in the Top Boy crime drama, Ward has also appeared in films including Blue Story, The Book of Clarence and Eddington, alongside actors Joaquin Phoenix and Pedro Pascal.

In 2020, Ward received the Rising Star Award at the British Academy Film Awards, recognizing his emergence as one of Britain’s leading young actors.

He has also earned BAFTA acting nominations for his performances in Empire of Light, directed by Sam Mendes, and the television anthology Small Axe, directed by Steve McQueen.

Following the verdict, Ward’s defense attorney, Humzah Ilyas, said his client was relieved by the outcome and eager to resume his acting career.

“He is looking forward to getting back to doing the work he loves,” Ilyas said.

The acquittal brings an end to the criminal proceedings against the actor after the jury rejected all charges brought against him.