Thomas Party Granted Conditional Bail over Rape, Sexual Assault Charges

Former Arsenal footballer, Thomas Partey has been granted conditional bail following his court appearance on charges of rape and sexual assault.

The five charges pertain to allegations from three women, with the offenses reportedly occurring between 2021 and 2022. Partey refutes all accusations against him.

The hearing at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday was brief, lasting under 15 minutes. Partey was not required to enter a plea but affirmed his understanding of the charges and the conditions of his bail.

Partey’s case has been escalated to a Crown Court for trial, with his next appearance scheduled at the Old Bailey on September 2.

The 32-year-old was initially apprehended in July 2022, though his identity was not disclosed at the time, allowing him to continue playing for Arsenal amid ongoing investigations.

Following the charges, Partey’s attorney, Jenny Wiltshire of Hickman and Rose, stated: “Thomas Partey denies all the charges against him. He has fully cooperated with the police and CPS throughout their three-year investigation. He now welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name.”

The Ghanaian international spent five seasons at Arsenal, having been signed in 2020 for £45 million, but is now a free agent after his contract expired at the end of June. He made 52 appearances for Arsenal last season across all competitions.

In a statement to Sky Sports News, Arsenal remarked: “The player’s contract ended on June 30. Due to ongoing legal proceedings, the club is unable to comment on the case.”

Two counts of rape pertain to one woman, three counts of rape relate to a second woman, and one count of sexual assault involves a third woman.