Thomas Partey Denies New Rape Allegations

Ex-Arsenal footballer Thomas Partey has denied two fresh allegations of rape. The 32-year-old midfielder appeared at Southwark Crown Court, where he pleaded not guilty to raping a woman in London in December 2020. Partey, who now plays for Villarreal, had previously been charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, which allegedly took place in 2021 and 2022. He had already pleaded not guilty to these charges, with a trial initially set for November this year. Two new rape charges were announced in February, and Judge Tony Baumgartner has decided that all allegations will be tried together. However, he warned that the trial may be postponed until January next year. In total, Partey has denied seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, which stem from allegations made by four different women. During the hearing, Partey confirmed his name and entered the not guilty pleas while wearing a dark grey suit and black jumper. He had been absent from a previous hearing but his lawyer had indicated that not guilty pleas would be entered. Partey is currently out on bail and is not allowed to contact the alleged victims. The case is set to be heard by Mr Justice Bennathan, with a pre-trial hearing scheduled for May 14 to determine the exact trial date.