Former Arsenal footballer Thomas Partey has appeared in court facing serious allegations of sexual offences.
Partey, 32, is charged with five counts of rape involving two women and one count of sexual assault against a third woman. The alleged incidents are reported to have occurred in 2021 and 2022 while Partey was playing for Arsenal.
During a brief hearing at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, Partey stood in the dock dressed in black, his hands behind his back. Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring granted him conditional bail, instructing him not to contact any of the alleged victims. Partey must also inform the police of any permanent address changes, stays away from home exceeding 14 consecutive days, and any intended international travel.
Partey’s trial is scheduled to take place at the Old Bailey later this year.
Partey joined Arsenal from Atlético Madrid in 2020 in a transfer valued at approximately £45 million. He had previously played 188 games for Atlético, with loan spells at Mallorca and Leganés. Last season, Partey featured in 35 Premier League matches for Arsenal, scoring four goals, before departing the club this summer at the end of his contract.
As the court discussed bail conditions, Goldspring noted that Partey is no longer employed in the UK and is currently playing football in Spain.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that they received initial reports of rape allegations against Partey in February 2022.
Partey's legal representative, Jenny Wiltshire, has stated that he "denies all the charges" and is eager to have his name cleared in court. Photo by Anna Nessie, Wikimedia commons.