Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey is set to deny two additional allegations of rape following a court hearing in London.
The Ghana international was not present at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Friday as the preliminary stages of the case were handled by deputy chief magistrate Tan Ikram. Partey had been excused from attending the hearing, but his lawyer, Emma Fenn, informed the court that the footballer intends to plead not guilty to the two new charges, which relate to an alleged incident involving a woman during a date in December 2020.
The 32 year old had previously appeared at Southwark Crown Court last year where he denied five counts of rape involving two women and a charge of sexual assault against a third. Prosecutors say those alleged incidents occurred between 2021 and 2022 while he was playing for Premier League club Arsenal.
As per The Independent during Friday’s proceedings, the court was told that the latest accusations surfaced after the earlier charges against Partey became widely publicised. Prosecutor Arabella MacDonald explained that the complainant came forward after learning about the existing allegations.
“Mr Partey faces two further charges of rape dating back to December 2020.
“The complainant came forward after news of Mr Partey’s other matters were widely publicised.”
Judge Ikram ruled that the two new charges, which involve a fourth alleged victim, will be transferred to the Crown Court. The next hearing on the new allegations has been scheduled for April 10.
Meanwhile, the trial concerning the original set of charges is expected to begin on November 2 later this year.
Thomas Partey, who previously listed his residence as Potters Bar in Hertfordshire, joined Arsenal from Atletico Madrid in 2020 in a deal worth about £45 million. He left the North London club last year and currently plays for Spanish side Villarreal.
During his time at Arsenal, the Ghanaian midfielder made 35 Premier League appearances last season and scored four goals. He has also earned more than 50 caps for Ghana, representing the national team at both the FIFA World Cup and the Africa Cup of Nations.
An Arsenal spokesperson earlier addressed the situation, saying: “The player’s contract ended on 30 June. Due to ongoing legal proceedings, the club is unable to comment on the case.”
