Bafta-nominated actor Micheal Ward charged with rape and sexual assault
The 27-year-old, who has starred in Blue Story and Top Boy, is accused of offences against one woman in January 2023, the Metropolitan Police said.
The force said he is charged with two counts of rape and three counts of sexual assault.
Ward, of Cheshunt, Hertfordshire, will appear at Thames Magistrates' Court on August 28, the Crown Prosecution Service said.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
9 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Marvel confirms a major Avengers actor is joining Tom Holland's Spider-Man in Brand New Day along with a returning villain
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Tom Holland is going to be in very good company in Spider-Man: Brand New Day, as seasoned MCU star Mark Ruffalo has joined the official cast as The Hulk. Ruffalo has been part of the superhero franchise for 14 years, starring in all the Avengers movies and fan-favorite titles like Thor: Ragnarok. Last time we saw his Bruce Banner was in Disney Plus' TV series She-Hulk: Attorney at Law, which starred his cousin Jennifer Walters (Tatiana Maslany). The Hulk is not the only Marvel character returning for the upcoming Spidey movie, which is now filming in Scotland. Along with the previously announced addition of Jon Bernthal's The Punisher to the cast, Marvel announced that Michael Mando is set to reprise his role of the Scorpion. The villain first debuted in Spider-Man: Homecoming, where he was arrested by the FBI after the Staten Island ferry incident and swore vengeance against Spider-Man. It seems like he will make good on his promise in the new movie. This cast announcement comes on the back of film set leaks that might just have confirmed Mister Negative as the film's villain. A bystander on the streets of Glasgow spotted a heavy-duty armored truck with a red demon mark on its side that resembles the logo of the Inner Demons. A recent glimpse behind the scenes also hinted at D-list villains forming part of the film's rogues' gallery. Tom Holland's new Spider-Man suit was partially revealed this week too, giving us some serious Sam Raimi vibes. As filming continues, we're hoping to get even more details about the movie, which has yet to reveal an official plot. We expect the story to follow on from the events of the ending of Spider-Man: No Way Home, which saw Peter Parker's existence erased from everyone's minds. Plunged back into anonymity, the New York-based superhero will focus, as Marvel Studios boss Kevin Feige explained recently, on "street-level crime as opposed to world-ending events." Brand New Day also appears to be set before Avengers: Doomsday. Zendaya and Jacob Batalon are set to reprise their roles as MJ and Ned, with Stranger Things actor Sadie Sink joining the cast in an undisclosed role. Spider-Man: Brand New Day will land in cinemas on July 31, 2026. For more, here is our complete guide to upcoming Marvel movies and Marvel Phase 6. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
22 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Rape victim commended for 'extraordinary courage' in convicting attacker
A rape victim has been commended for her "extraordinary courage" in securing the conviction of her attacker. Andrew Grinham, 48, of Felixstowe, was sentenced to 13 years in prison, with a five-year extended licence period, after being found guilty of two counts of rape and three counts of assault causing actual bodily harm. He was convicted following an eight-day trial at Ipswich Crown Court on May 29 and sentenced on July 22. Detective Constable Jennifer Botting, the officer in charge of the case, said: "Grinham carried out horrific abuse to his victim, causing long-lasting effects that have impacted her life and those around her. Andrew Grinham has been locked up (Image: Suffolk police) "I want to commend her for the extraordinary courage she has shown in coming forward and seeing this case through to the end. "We hope today's outcome brings some measure of justice and reassurance – not only to the victim in this case, but to others who may be suffering in silence." The offences took place over several years. Grinham was also given a three-year concurrent sentence for the assault offences. He is now subject to an indefinite sexual harm prevention order and an indefinite restraining order, and has been placed on the sex offenders register for life. DC Botting also thanked her colleague, Detective Constable James Lait. She said: "I would also like to thank DC James Lait, who was the initial officer in charge of the case before I took on the investigation. "His team progressed enquiries over a prolonged period to ensure we were able to reach the right outcome for the victim. "Suffolk Constabulary remains committed to supporting survivors and bringing perpetrators to justice, no matter how long it takes." Victims of rape or sexual assault can contact the Suffolk Independent Sexual Advisory Service at 0330 223 0099 or The Ferns Centre for support.
Yahoo
35 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Four illegal workers found at restaurant near Darlington in immigration probe
A restaurant near Darlington could be stripped of its license after four illegal workers were found by immigration officers. The Oak Tree, in Middleton-St-George, was slapped with a £90,000 fine earlier this year for employing two people who did not have the right to work. It followed an immigration visit on December 18 where a total of four illegal workers were identified, one of whom 'tried to run from the kitchen' when officers arrived. Three of the four did not hold the right to work, while the other was working in breach of conditions. The Home Office has now applied to strip the Yarm Road restaurant of its license. The venue, which was taken over by owner Ersim Aydi in June 2024, has still not paid the fine, and bailiffs have now been sent in. Ms Aydin, who is now due to leave her role, apologised to anyone who she had caused distress, saying it was 'never my intention' and that she 'really, really tried'. She claimed that two workers have since started the process with the Home Office and are not illegally working, although this has not been confirmed. Operator Punch Pubs said it takes matters like this 'extremely seriously' and is seeking advice 'to ensure the appropriate action is taken'. Illegal working and minimum wage concerns The probe found two of the workers were found to have entered the UK illegally via small boats. Worker A, who tried to run into the garden when officers arrived, had been working in the kitchen for roughly two weeks, seven hours each day for six days a week. He was paid £300 in cash per week, which raised concerns as this would equate to £7.14 per hour, more than £4 less than the national minimum wage (£11.44 at the time). The premises licence review report said low wages appeared to be supplemented by free food and accommodation. The Oak Tree Ms Aydin told officers she was 'aware that he was not allowed to work in the UK' and Worker A said right to work checks had not been conducted. Worker B, who was found making bread in the kitchen, 'attempted to walk away" when officers arrived and "consistently denied working'. He claimed he arrived at the restaurant the day before to see a friend and have tea - but the manager said he was on a work trial with a view to hiring him. He was found working in breach of his work restrictions, as his claim for protection was refused. An appeal is ongoing. Worker C, who was seen answering the phone and serving a table, confirmed she had been working there for around three weeks. She claimed she did not have scheduled shifts, and is asked to work during busy periods. She said she was not paid and gets free food and accommodation. She said her employer helped her with 'the papers' and that she was aware of her not holding the right to work. Worker C was allowed entry to the UK in September 2024 as a visitor and has never held the right to work in the UK. Worker D, who was seen leaving one of the rooms above the restaurant, claimed he first came ten days ago for an interview. He said he is a chef and a baker but does not work there, claiming he left his passport in London. Officers found it in his bedroom, alongside a fake passport. His last valid leave expired in March 2023, and there were no outstanding applications at the time, meaning he had no right to work. Ms Aydin, who employs the staff, told officers: 'I don't normally ask for ID, I do ask if they're ok to work and nine out of ten I go with what they say.' This was branded 'problematic'. Although one of the workers claimed he did not work there, he was considered a worker at the site as he had an interview ten days before. 'We take matters like this extremely seriously' In response, Ms Aydin said: 'To Darlington Council, the brewery, the community: I am so sorry if I've ever caused distress. That was never my intention. I tried to belong. 'I took over a pub not to take anything away but to build something for everyone. If I failed, then I carry that failure with pain. Because I tried. I really, really tried. 'I gave all of myself to the pub and the people in it. I never treated anyone like an employee or a customer - I treated them like family. Like human beings. 'I gave everything I could, whether it was time, support, a meal, a kind word. I just wanted people to feel like they mattered. 'To everyone who supported me, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.' A Punch Pubs & Co spokesperson: 'The Oak Tree Inn forms a part of our Leased and Tenanted estate. It is operated under the terms of a tenancy agreement, meaning the Publican runs their own pub business with complete autonomy. Read more: Post Office confirms branch closing date - as bosses explore takeover interest Darlington hair salon forced to pay another former staff member thousands 'Milestone of justice' for Jack Woodley's mum as teen's killers unmasked They are responsible for the day-to-day operation, including upholding the licensing objectives. That said, we take matters like this extremely seriously. 'We have been made aware of the application for a premises license review and are currently seeking advice to ensure the appropriate action is taken. 'The Oak Tree pub is an important part of the Punch estate, and we will do everything we can to protect its long-term future.'
