Hickman & Rose’s Humzah Ilyas has featured in the UK and international media following the acquittal of his and Jenny Wiltshire‘s client Micheal Ward of all charges after a trial at Snaresbrook Crown Court.
Mr Ward, who starred in the Netflix show Top Boy, was found not guilty on two counts of rape and three counts of sexual assault alleged to have taken place three and a half years ago. He was represented in court by 2 Hare Court’s Sallie Bennett-Jenkins KC.
Standing beside his exonerated client, Humzah Ilyas described Mr Ward’s gratitude to the jury for “taking the time to examine the evidence in this case with such care.”
Humzah continued: “As he maintained throughout this case, this was a consensual sexual encounter. The jury agreed and cleared him of all wrongdoing.
“It has been three and a half years since the police started investigating this matter, during which time Micheal’s life, as well as his successful career, has been put on hold. This has, inevitably, had a profound impact on him and those closest to him.
“Micheal is thankful this process has now reached a conclusion. He looks forward to getting back to the doing work he loves and focussing on the future.
“As he starts to rebuild his life, Micheal would like to acknowledge those who have experienced sexual violence and abuse. They deserve to be heard, treated with compassion, and have their allegations taken seriously.
“Micheal would like to thank God and his family. He is very appreciative of everyone who stood by him. Their support, prayers and love helped carry him through the hardest period of his life.
“He would also like to thank his legal team for their unwavering dedication and everything they have done.”
