Thomas Party was granted conditional bail and was given a court date as he appeared in Westminster Magistrate’s court on Tuesday after being charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault last month. The 32-year-old, charged four days after his Arsenal contract expires, will be joining Spanish club Villarreal on a two-year contract.
Partey first appeared in person when he went before Judge Paul Goldspring and was charged by the Crown Prosecutor’s Office (CPS). He is accused of two rapes against one woman and three counts against another. The sexual assault allegations are linked to a third woman, CPS said. He denies all charges.
The claims are linked to three women who reported incidents that occurred between 2021 and 2022, and received the first report of rape allegations in February 2022, according to Metropolitan Police.
The court date is listed as the first hearing and appeal hearing, but public hearings were generally heard. This means that the public could attend.
Judge Goldspring decided to appear in part at Old Bailey Central Crown Court at 10am on September 2nd. He told Ghana International:
After explaining his bail conditions to express the sport, he cannot provide details due to reporting restrictions. Part then thanked the judge.
For the latest broken stories and headlines, sign up for the Daily Express Transfer Newsletter.
Partey had previously entered the dock and spoke only to him to confirm his name, date of birth and address. His defense is Emma Fenn.
In a statement on July 4, when the party was indicted, his lawyer, Jenny Wiltshire, said:
“He now welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name. Given the ongoing legal process, my client cannot comment further.”
An Arsenal spokesperson said at the time Partie was indicted: “The player’s contract ended on June 30th. Due to continued legal proceedings, the club cannot comment on the incident.”
Last month, Detective Coach Andy Fulphy, whose team is leading the investigation, said:
“We ask anyone affected by this incident or who has information to speak to our team. You can contact the detective about this investigation by emailing CIT@met.police.uk.”
Partey has been widely reported to be in high consultation with La Liga Side Villarreal and is investigating a crime that is not a disability, or in accordance with league rules.
According to Athletic, the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) is believed to be waiting for players to become official before investigating whether to create new regulations.
The case continues.
