LONDON, Sept 17 (The African Portal) – Thomas Partey has pleaded not guilty to five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, but will not face trial for another 14 months.
The former Arsenal midfielder appeared at Southwark Crown Court on Wednesday, where he confirmed his name and date of birth before entering his pleas. The charges relate to three women and alleged incidents between 2021 and 2022.
The 32-year-old denied five counts of rape involving two women, and a charge of sexual assault against a third woman. His trial has been scheduled for 2 November next year and is expected to last six to eight weeks.
Judge Christopher Hehir told the court that crown courts were facing a “huge backlog of work”, which meant the case had to be listed “a long way in advance”. He explained that because Partey had been granted conditional bail, “you are behind people who are in custody and waiting for their trials”.
The judge also warned the Ghana international not to miss the trial date, stressing it was “very important” that he remained in close contact with his legal team.
Boos at Tottenham
The night before the hearing, Partey came on as a substitute for Villarreal during their Champions League match at Tottenham Hotspur. His appearance was met with boos from the home crowd, who also directed chants at him while he warmed up.
Partey’s lawyers have previously said he “denies all the charges against him” and “welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name.”
The midfielder left Arsenal at the end of June when his contract expired. Four days later, prosecutors charged him. He joined Spanish club Villarreal in August.
Villarreal manager Marcelino, speaking before the Tottenham match, said: “I’m totally convinced that he is mentally prepared, technically prepared, to play the game tomorrow night. For sure he’ll be ready.
“He’s a great player with lots of experience. He’s played in some top sides. We know he’s got a great ability and great level.”
