Thomas Partey Denies New Rape Allegations

Ex-Arsenal player Thomas Partey has entered not guilty pleas to two fresh allegations of rape. The 32-year-old athlete appeared in Southwark Crown Court on Monday, where he denied raping a woman in London in December 2020. Partey had previously been charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault in July last year, which he also denied. The new allegations, announced in February, will be tried together with the previous charges. Judge Tony Baumgartner warned that the trial may be postponed until January next year. In total, Partey has now pleaded not guilty to seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, related to allegations from four different women. Wearing a dark grey suit, Partey spoke to confirm his identity and enter the not guilty pleas. He was granted bail with the condition that he does not contact the alleged victims. Partey is expected to play for Ghana in the upcoming World Cup. A pre-trial hearing is scheduled for May 14, where a decision on the trial date will be made.