Thomas Partey appeared at Southwark Crown Court on Monday to deny twice raping a woman in London on a day in December 2020, according to major media reports. The footballer was charged in July with five counts of rape and one allegation of sexual assault, dating back to 2021 and 2022, and now faces a total of seven rape charges and one sexual assault charge relating to allegations from four different women. On Monday, Judge Tony Baumgartner, the Recorder of Westminster, agreed for all the allegations to be tried together, according to major media reports.
During the proceedings, the court heard from the prosecution and the defence regarding the timeline for the upcoming trial. A comprehensive trial covering those specific allegations is currently scheduled to take place at Southwark Crown Court this November, according to research from two sources. However, Judge Tony Baumgartner warned Partey and lawyers in the case that the trial could now be delayed until January next year, according to major media reports. The legal proceedings will resume on April 10 at a crown court hearing, which will serve as a final milestone before the major trial in the autumn, according to research from two sources. Thomas Partey’s case is next due to be listed in court, for a pre-trial hearing, on May 14, according to major media reports. A decision will be taken on the exact trial date when the judge has been confirmed, according to major media reports.
Thomas Partey, wearing dark grey trousers, a black jumper over a white shirt, and smart black shoes, spoke to confirm his name and enter the two not guilty pleas during Monday’s hearing, according to major media reports. He left the dock with his charcoal grey suit jacket slung over his left shoulder, according to major media reports. Thomas Partey was absent from Westminster Magistrates’ Court last month when the charges came before a judge for the first time, according to major media reports. His lawyer indicated that not guilty pleas would be entered, according to the lawyer.
The two new rape charges were announced in February this year, according to major media reports. Partey was excused from attending court on Friday but was represented as the legal process addressed two new allegations of rape dating back to December 2020, according to research from two sources. The two new charges of rape are separate from the five counts of rape and sexual assault brought against him last year involving three other women, according to research from two sources. According to research from two sources, the prosecution explained that the latest complainant came forward only after the initial allegations against the footballer were made public.
Thomas Partey is 32 years old and Ghanaian. Thomas Teye Partey was born on 13 June 1993, according to research from two sources. He is a Ghanaian professional footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder for La Liga club Villarreal and the Ghana national team, according to research from two sources. Thomas Partey previously lived in Potters Bar in Hertfordshire, according to major media reports.
Partey began his professional career at Spanish club Atlético Madrid in 2013, according to research from two sources. He went on loan to Mallorca and Almería, and returned to Atlético in 2015, according to research from two sources. Partey won the UEFA Europa League and UEFA Super Cup in 2018 with Atlético Madrid, according to research from two sources. He joined Arsenal from Atletico Madrid in 2020 in a transfer worth around £45 million, becoming the most expensive Ghanaian player of all time with his transfer to Arsenal, according to research from two sources. Partey played 167 games over five seasons at Arsenal, winning the Community Shield in 2023, according to research from two sources. He represented Ghana at three Africa Cup of Nations (2017, 2019, and 2021) and the 2022 FIFA World Cup, according to research from two sources.
Partey was born in Krobo Odumase and was a product of local club Odometah's youth ranks, according to research from two sources. He was called up to Atlético Madrid's main squad for a match against Real Sociedad on 10 March 2013, according to research from two sources. Partey was loaned to Mallorca on 12 July 2013, according to research from two sources. He made his professional debut on 18 August 2013 in a 0–4 away defeat against Sabadell, according to research from two sources. Partey scored his first goals in La Liga on 11 April 2015, netting a brace in a 3–0 home win against Granada, according to research from two sources. He played in the UEFA Champions League Final on 28 May 2016 against Real Madrid, replacing Koke in the 116th minute as his side lost on penalties, according to research from two sources. Partey scored his first European goal on 31 October 2017 with a long-range strike to equalise at home to Qarabağ in a 1–1 draw in the Champions League group game; he became the first African to score in the competition for Atlético, according to research from two sources.
Thomas Partey left Arsenal for Villarreal on a free transfer last summer, according to major media reports. Despite the ongoing situation in England, Partey continues to play for Villarreal as they compete in the top half of the Spanish league table, according to research from two sources. Thomas Partey is expected to face England in the World Cup this summer, as an integral part of the Ghana national side, according to major media reports.
Thomas Partey is on bail during the legal proceedings, with a condition that he does not contact alleged victims. The conditions of Partey’s bail do not prevent him from playing professional football, according to research from two sources. He is barred from contacting any of the complainants and must notify police of any international travel 24 hours prior to his departure, according to research from two sources.
Partey has consistently maintained his innocence across all counts since the Metropolitan Police investigation began, according to research from two sources. The court heard Mr Justice Bennathan is expected to be the trial judge, according to major media reports.
The specific evidence or details presented by the prosecution or defense in the case have not been publicly disclosed. The identities or backgrounds of the four women making the allegations remain unknown, as do the exact dates and locations of the alleged incidents in December 2020 and 2021-2022.
How Villarreal FC or the Ghana national team have officially responded to the charges and legal proceedings is unclear. The impact, if any, that the charges have had on Partey's football career and endorsements has not been detailed publicly.