Thomas Partey denies two further rape charges at Southwark Crown Court
Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has pleaded not guilty to two new allegations of rape during an appearance at Southwark Crown Court on Monday.
The 32-year-old appeared in the dock to formally deny twice raping a woman in London on a specific date in December 2020.
These fresh charges follow his previous not guilty pleas to five counts of rape and one allegation of sexual assault dating back to 2021 and 2022.
In total, the Ghana international now faces seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault relating to allegations from four different women.
Trial timeline extended
Judge Tony Baumgartner, the Recorder of Westminster, agreed during Monday’s hearing that all of the allegations should be tried together.
This consolidation means the original trial date set for November could now face delays, potentially pushing proceedings back to January of next year.
The player spoke only to confirm his name and enter his pleas while wearing dark grey trousers and a black jumper over a white shirt.
A pre-trial hearing has been scheduled for May 14, where a finalised trial date is expected to be determined by the incoming trial judge, Mr Justice Bennathan.
Bail conditions and background
The former Atletico Madrid player remains on bail during the ongoing legal proceedings under strict conditions prohibiting contact with the alleged victims.
He was absent from a preliminary hearing at Westminster Magistrates’ Court last month, though his legal representation indicated at the time that he would deny the charges.
The midfielder spent five years in north London after completing a £45m transfer in 2020, before departing for Spanish side Villarreal last summer.
Despite the ongoing legal proceedings, he remains an integral part of his national side and is expected to represent them at the upcoming World Cup.
