Former Arsenal Player Thomas Partey Denies New Rape Allegations

Thomas Partey, a former Arsenal football player, has entered not guilty pleas to two additional rape allegations. The 32-year-old athlete appeared in Southwark Crown Court on Monday, denying the accusations of 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, to which he also pleaded not guilty. A trial for these charges was initially set for November this year. However, with the introduction of two new rape charges in February, the court has decided to combine all allegations for a single trial, which may now be postponed until January next year. In total, Partey has pleaded not guilty to seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, stemming from allegations made by four different women. During the hearing, Partey confirmed his identity and entered his pleas while dressed in formal attire. He was previously absent from a hearing last month but had indicated through his lawyer that he would plead not guilty. Partey is currently out on bail with the condition that he does not contact the alleged victims. As a key player for the Ghana national team, he is expected to participate in the World Cup this summer. The case is scheduled for a pre-trial hearing on May 14, at which point a decision on the trial date will be made once the presiding judge is confirmed.