Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has been granted conditional bail after appearing in court to face multiple charges of rape and sexual assault involving three women.
Thomas Partey, 32, who recently left Arsenal following the expiry of his contract, has been charged with five counts of rape involving two women and one count of sexual assault against a third. The incidents are alleged to have occurred between 2021 and 2022.
One of the reported assaults allegedly took place during a holiday in Spain. In court, the prosecution outlined graphic details, stating the charges include:
- Three instances of anal rape
- Two instances of vaginal rape
- One count of sexual assault at his London home
Senior district judge Paul Goldspring addressed Partey directly during the hearing, stating he faced six charges in total.
“The sixth charge can be sent if it is a related offence,” he said. “Therefore, all six charges will be sent to the Crown Court at the Old Bailey.”
Bail Conditions Imposed
Partey was released on strict conditional bail. He must not contact any of the complainants and must notify the police if he intends to:
- Change his address
- Stay elsewhere for more than 14 days
- Travel abroad
“If you breach any of these conditions, you will be arrested, you will come back before me, and you will almost certainly be remanded in custody,” Judge Goldspring warned.
The Metropolitan Police first received a report of rape involving the footballer in February 2022. Charges were formally laid shortly after Partey parted ways with Arsenal in June this year.
Emma Fenn, defending Partey, did not challenge the decision to escalate all six charges to the Crown Court.
- Count 1 & 2: Anal rape (Complainant One)
- Count 3: Vaginal rape
- Count 4: Anal rape
- Count 5: Vaginal rape (Complainant Two)
- Count 6: Sexual assault (Complainant Three)
Partey’s career has taken a sharp turn. The Ghana international joined Arsenal from Atlético Madrid in 2020, becoming a pivotal figure in Mikel Arteta’s midfield setup.
He featured 35 times for the Gunners in the 2024/25 season, helping the team secure a second-place finish in the Premier League and a semi-final berth in the UEFA Champions League.
Despite the serious nature of the charges, his legal team maintains confidence. His lawyer stated he “welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name.”
All charges are now being referred to the Crown Court at the Old Bailey, where Partey will be expected to appear for the next stage in the legal process.
As proceedings move forward, the spotlight remains on one of football’s most recognisable figures facing deeply troubling allegations.
