Thomas Partey Denies New Rape Allegations

Thomas Partey, a former Arsenal footballer, has pleaded not guilty to two additional allegations of rape. The 32-year-old midfielder appeared at Southwark Crown Court, where he denied raping a woman in London on a specific day in December 2020. Partey had previously been charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, which allegedly occurred between 2021 and 2022. He had already entered not guilty pleas to these charges, with a trial initially set for November this year. The two new rape allegations were announced in February, and Judge Tony Baumgartner has agreed to try all the allegations together. However, he warned that the trial may now be delayed until January next year. In total, Partey has pleaded not guilty to seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, related to allegations made by four different women. During the hearing, Partey, dressed in dark grey trousers, a black jumper, and smart black shoes, confirmed his name and entered the not guilty pleas. He left the court with his charcoal grey suit jacket slung over his shoulder. Partey was not present at Westminster Magistrates' Court last month when the charges were first heard, but his lawyer indicated that not guilty pleas would be entered. The Ghanaian midfielder, who previously lived in Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, and played for Arsenal from 2020 to 2023, is expected to play for Ghana in the World Cup this summer. Partey is currently on bail, with the condition that he does not contact the alleged victims. The court heard that Mr Justice Bennathan is expected to preside over the trial, with a pre-trial hearing scheduled for May 14 to determine the exact trial date.