Former Arsenal Star Thomas Partey Pleads Not Guilty to Two New Rape Charges
Former Arsenal footballer Thomas Partey has entered a not guilty plea at Southwark Crown Court to two new allegations of rape involving a fourth alleged victim. The 32-year-old Ghanaian midfielder, who now plays for Spanish club Villarreal, is facing these additional charges dating back to December 2020.
Details of the New Allegations
The two new charges accuse Partey of twice raping a woman in London on a single day in December 2020. These allegations came to light in February, after the initial set of charges had been publicly revealed. Prosecuting attorney Arabella MacDonald stated in court that the complainant came forward following widespread media coverage of Partey's other legal matters.
Judge Ikram has sent these new charges to Southwark Crown Court for the current hearing. The footballer's defense lawyer, Jenny Wiltshire, emphasized that Partey continues to deny all charges against him and has cooperated with police throughout the investigation.
Ongoing Legal Proceedings
Partey was originally charged last year with five counts of rape against two women and sexual assault against a third alleged victim, following a Metropolitan Police investigation. He has already pleaded not guilty to all those allegations, which date back to 2021 and 2022, and is scheduled to face trial at Southwark Crown Court in November.
With the addition of these two new charges, the footballer now faces allegations involving four different women. Wiltshire stated that given the ongoing legal proceedings, there would be no further comment from the defense team.
Partey's Football Career
The midfielder joined Arsenal from Atletico Madrid in 2020 in a transfer worth approximately £45 million. During his five seasons with the North London club, he made 167 appearances before his contract ended in June last year. He has since established himself as a regular player at Villarreal, one of Spain's top football clubs.
Partey previously lived in Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, during his time with Arsenal. His legal troubles have emerged as he continues his professional football career in Spain, with the court proceedings unfolding alongside his sporting commitments.
