1 month ago
The erstwhile Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has pleaded not blameworthy to 2 caller allegations of rape.
The 32-year-old appeared astatine Southwark crown tribunal connected Monday to contradict raping a female doubly successful London connected a azygous time successful December 2020. Partey, who near Arsenal for Villarreal past summer, was charged successful July past twelvemonth pinch 5 counts of rape and 1 allegation of intersexual assault, making love backmost to 2021 and 2022. He antecedently pleaded not blameworthy to those charges and a proceedings was group for November this year.
The 2 caller rape charges were announced successful February this year, and connected Monday, Mr Justice Baumgartner, nan recorder of Westminster, agreed for each nan allegations to beryllium tried together. But he warned Partey and lawyers successful nan lawsuit that nan proceedings could now beryllium delayed until January adjacent year.
In total, Partey has now pleaded not blameworthy to 7 counts of rape and 1 count of intersexual assault, relating to allegations from 4 different women. Wearing acheronian grey trousers, a achromatic jumper complete a achromatic garment and smart achromatic shoes, he said to corroborate his sanction and participate nan 2 not blameworthy pleas during Monday’s hearing. He near nan dock pinch his charcoal grey suit overgarment slung complete his near shoulder.
Partey was absent from Westminster magistrates tribunal past period erstwhile nan charges came earlier a judge for nan first time. But his lawyer indicated that not blameworthy pleas would beryllium entered.
Partey, who antecedently lived successful Potters Bar successful Hertfordshire, joined Arsenal from Atlético Madrid successful 2020 successful a transportation worthy astir £45m. He near nan nine successful June 2025 upon nan expiry of his contract. The midfielder whitethorn play against England, for Ghana, during nan group stages of this summer’s World Cup.
Partey’s lawsuit is adjacent owed to beryllium listed successful court, for a pre-trial hearing, connected 14 May. A determination will beryllium taken connected nan nonstop proceedings day erstwhile nan judge has been confirmed.
