Thomas Partey Faces Court Over Serious Sexual Assault Allegations

‎Thomas Partey, the former Arsenal midfielder, appeared in a London court on Tuesday.

‎He is charged with five counts of rape involving two women and one count of sexual assault against a third woman. The alleged incidents occurred between April 2021 and June 2022.

‎The 32-year-old sat in the dock at Westminster Magistrates’ Court dressed in black during the brief hearing and spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth, and address.

‎Prosecutor Jocelyn Ledward revealed that two of the charges involve Partey allegedly raping one woman anally during consensual sex on separate occasions.

‎Three other charges concern a second woman, whom he is accused of raping three times twice in Britain and once in Spain. These allegations form the basis of the charges he faces.

‎He was not asked to enter a plea to any of the charges. Partey was granted bail ahead of his next court appearance at London’s Old Bailey court on September 2.

‎His lawyer previously said in a statement that Partey denies the charges and welcomes the opportunity to clear his name.

‎Partey was signed by Arsenal from Atletico Madrid for €50 million in 2020 and quickly became a key player for the team, making 52 appearances across all competitions last season.

‎He was first arrested in July 2022, although he was not publicly identified at that time and continued to play for Arsenal during the investigation. His contract with the Premier League club expired last month.

‎Partey granted bail on rape charges

‎Partey appeared in the dock at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, with his arms behind his back and wearing a black zip-neck jumper.

‎His bail conditions prevent him from contacting any of the three women involved. He is also required to notify the police of any permanent address changes or international travel plans.

‎It comes amid reports that Partey is set to join Spanish club Villarreal.

‎As bail conditions were discussed in court, Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring said, “I understand he’s no longer employed in this country and playing in Spain now.”

‎Partey is scheduled to appear at the Old Bailey on September 2. He was charged four days after his contract with Arsenal ended at the end of June.

‎The Metropolitan Police stated that they first received reports of a rape allegation in February 2022.

‎Partey’s lawyer, Jenny Wiltshire, previously said he “denies all the charges against him,” adding he welcomed “the opportunity to finally clear his name.

‎British media have reported that Partey is close to joining Spanish side Villarreal on a free transfer, and Judge Paul Goldspring said during Tuesday’s hearing that Partey would soon be moving to Spain.