Former Arsenal footballer Thomas Partey granted bail on rape charges
The midfielder appeared in court on Tuesday having been charged with five counts of rape as well as a charge of sexual assault
Partey leaves Westminster Magistrates' Court on Tuesday morning
Former Arsenal footballer Thomas Partey has been granted conditional bail after appearing in court on rape and sexual assault charges.
The Ghanaian midfielder, 32, has been charged with five counts of rape against two women, as well as a charge of sexual assault against a third woman. The alleged offences took place between 2021 and 2022, when he was an Arsenal player. Partey stood with his arms behind his back in the dock at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, wearing a black zip-neck jumper.
His bail conditions include that he cannot contact any of the three women and must notify police of any permanent changes of address or international travel.
It comes amid reports that Partey is set to join Spanish club Villarreal.
As bail conditions were discussed in court, Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring said: 'I understand he's no longer employed in this country and playing in Spain now.'
Partey is due to appear at the Old Bailey on September 2.
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He was charged four days after leaving Arsenal when his contract expired at the end of June.
The Metropolitan Police said it first received reports of an allegation of rape in February 2022.
Partey's lawyer Jenny Wiltshire previously said he 'denies all the charges against him', adding he welcomed 'the opportunity to finally clear his name'.
After Partey was charged last month, Jaswant Narwal, of the Crown Prosecution Service, said: 'The Crown Prosecution Service has today authorised the prosecution of Thomas Partey for multiple counts of rape – after carefully reviewing a comprehensive file of evidence.
'Our prosecutors have worked closely with officers in the Metropolitan Police who have carried out the investigation, to review the evidence and advise on the appropriate charges.
'We remind everyone that criminal proceedings are active, and the defendant has the right to a fair trial.
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'We know there will be significant public interest in this announcement, but it is absolutely vital that there is no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.'
Det Supt Andy Furphy, who is leading the investigation, said via the BBC: "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. You can contact detectives about this investigation by emailing CIT@met.police.uk"
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