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Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey has been formally charged with two additional counts of rape, according to prosecutors in the United Kingdom, as legal proceedings against the former Arsenal player continue.
The 32-year-old is already awaiting trial in November after previously denying allegations of raping two women and sexually assaulting a third. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has now approved the additional charges, bringing the case back before Westminster Magistrates’ Court, where Partey is scheduled to appear on March 13 in connection with the new counts, according to UK news outlet The Telegraph.
Partey entered not-guilty pleas last September at Southwark Crown Court to five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. The alleged offences are said to have occurred between 2021 and 2022, during his time as a regular first-team player at Arsenal.
He was initially charged shortly after leaving the north London club following the expiration of his contract in June.
Now playing in Spain with Villarreal, Partey remains on bail. His bail conditions allow him to continue his professional football career but require him to notify police in advance of any international travel and prohibit contact with the complainants.
Despite the ongoing legal proceedings, Partey has continued to play club football and has previously been selected for Ghana’s national team during the period of the investigation.
Meanwhile, his lawyer, Jenny Wiltshire, said the midfielder denies all allegations and has cooperated fully with authorities.
“Thomas Partey continues to deny all charges against him. He has cooperated with the police throughout. Given there are ongoing legal proceedings, there will be no further comment,” she said.
Source: 3news
