Thomas Partey will next appear in court in September following his first appearance over a string of rape charges.
The 32-year-old, who left Arsenal on June 30 after his contract expired, was granted conditional bail after appearing at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday morning. The former Gunners midfielder has been charged with five counts of rape against two women, as well as a charge of sexual assault against a third woman.
Partey stood with his arms behind his back in the dock at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, wearing a black zip-neck jumper. He spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address.
His bail conditions include that he cannot contact any of the three women and must notify police of any permanent changes of address or international travel. He will next appear at the Old Bailey at 10am on Tuesday, September 2.
As bail conditions were discussed in court, Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring said: “I understand he’s no longer employed in this country and playing in Spain now.” Partey is poised to join La Liga side Villareal, with the Ghana international already completing a medical for the Spanish side.
Partey showed no emotion as a brief summary of the allegations were laid out by prosecutor Jocelyn Ledward KC. Partey’s defence lawyer at the hearing was Emma Fenn.
The alleged offences took place between 2021 and 2022, when Partey was an Arsenal player. He was charged four days after leaving Arsenal when his contract expired at the end of June. The Metropolitan Police said it first received reports of an allegation of rape in February 2022.
Partey’s lawyer Jenny Wiltshire previously said he “denies all the charges against him”, adding he welcomed “the opportunity to finally clear his name”.
Below are pictures showing Partey entering and leaving Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, with a number of police officers, reporters and photographers outside the court.
