Thomas Partey Denies New Rape Allegations

Ex-Arsenal footballer Thomas Partey has maintained his innocence in the face of two fresh allegations of rape, entering not guilty pleas at Southwark Crown Court. The 32-year-old midfielder, who now plays for Villarreal, was accused of raping a woman in London in December 2020. This development comes after Partey was charged in July last year with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, which allegedly occurred in 2021 and 2022. He had previously denied these charges, with a trial scheduled for November this year. The two new rape allegations, announced in February, will now be tried alongside the existing charges. Judge Tony Baumgartner, the Recorder of Westminster, has agreed to combine all allegations, but warned that the trial may be postponed until January next year. In total, Partey has pleaded not guilty to seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, involving four different women. During the hearing, Partey confirmed his name and entered the not guilty pleas. He was granted bail with the condition that he must not contact the alleged victims. The case is set to be heard in court again on May 14 for a pre-trial hearing, with Mr Justice Bennathan expected to preside over the trial.