The former Arsenal footballer Thomas Partey allegedly raped two women and sexually assaulted a third at his north London mansion and a hotel in Spain, a court has been told.
The Ghanaian midfielder, who left Arsenal in June and is set to move to Villarreal in Spain, is alleged to have committed the offences between April 2021 and June 2022, according to court documents. The sexual assault allegedly took place at the £6 million property where he used to live.
Partey, 32, of Potters Bar in Hertfordshire, appeared at Westminster magistrates’ court in central London on Tuesday to answer the charges. He spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address. He was not required to enter pleas.
Jocelyn Ledward KC, for the prosecution, said two alleged anal rapes related to a woman with whom Partey was in a sexual relationship.
A second complainant has accused him of vaginally raping her twice and of a separate anal rape between December 2021 and June 2022. One of the alleged offences took place in Marbella, Spain, the court was told.
Ledward said that a third woman was allegedly sexually assaulted by Partey at his home in February 2022. Partey voluntarily attended several police interviews and was charged by postal requisition on July 4 this year, Ledward added.
Partey at Westminster magistrates’ court
VICTORIA JONES/SHUTTERSTOCK
Judge Paul Goldspring transferred the case to the Old Bailey where Partey will appear on September 2.
He released Partey on conditional bail and said he must not contact the alleged victims, none of whom may be identified for legal reasons. He must also seek permission from the police 24 hours before he travels internationally.
When he was charged Partey issued a statement through his solicitor to deny the allegations. Jenny Wiltshire, of Hickman and Rose, said that Partey “has fully co-operated with the police and CPS throughout their three-year investigation. He now welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name.” She added: “Given that there are now ongoing legal proceedings, my client is unable to comment further.”
Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy of the Metropolitan Police, who is leading the investigation, said: “Our priority remains providing support to the women who have come forward. We would ask anyone who has been impacted by this case, or anyone who has information, to speak with our team.”
Jaswant Narwal, the chief crown prosecutor for CPS London North, added: “We remind everyone that criminal proceedings are active and the defendant has the right to a fair trial. It is absolutely vital that there is no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”
Partey during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Newcastle United on May 18
SHAUN BOTTERILL/GETTY IMAGES
Partey left Arsenal on June 30 after his contract expired, but critics said he should have been immediately suspended when the Met launched their investigation in early 2022.
He went on to make 56 appearances for Arsenal while on bail, and played 53 games in his final season at the club. In all he spent almost five years at the club where he played 130 games and scored nine goals. Partey also earned three caps for Ghana at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.