Thomas Partey Denies New Rape Allegations in Court: Trial Set for Next Year
Former Arsenal footballer Thomas Partey has denied two new allegations of rape at Southwark Crown Court. The 32-year-old Villarreal midfielder appeared in court to plead not guilty to twice raping a woman in London in December 2020. These new charges were brought in February this year. Partey had previously denied five counts of rape and one sexual assault dating back to 2021 and 2022. The trial for all the allegations is now set to be heard together, potentially in January next year.
In total, Thomas Partey has pleaded not guilty to seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault involving allegations from four different women. During the court appearance, Partey confirmed his name and entered the two not guilty pleas. He is currently out on bail with a condition not to contact the alleged victims. The trial judge, Mr Justice Bennathan, is expected to preside over the case.
The next step in Thomas Partey's legal proceedings is a pre-trial hearing scheduled for May 14. The exact trial date will be determined once the judge has been confirmed. The footballer, dressed in dark grey trousers, a black jumper, white shirt, and smart black shoes, left the dock after the hearing. The case continues to unfold as Partey maintains his plea of not guilty to the charges of rape and sexual assault.