Thomas Partey has been granted conditional bail after appearing at Westminster Magistrates’ Court this morning. He will next appear at the Old Bailey on September 2.
Judge Paul Goldspring told Partey: "You face six charges, five of which are indictable only, which means they must be sent to the crown court. The sixth charge can be sent if it is a related offence. I'm satisfied it is. In this case [you will be sent to] the Central Criminal Court, you might know it as the Old Bailey, on September 2 this year."
After explaining his bail conditions, Judge Goldspring says Partey he is free to go. "Thank you," Partey responds.
Thomas Partey’s bail conditions include that he can’t contact any of the women involved in the case. And he must notify police of any permanent changes of address or international travel.
Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring appeared to confirm Partey’s Villarreal move: “I understand he’s no longer employed in this country and playing in Spain now.”
The former Arsenal midfielder was last month charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. The alleged offences occurred between 2021 and 2022, the Metropolitan Police said.
The 32-year-old, who left the Gunners on June 30 after his contract expired, has been charged with two counts of rape of one woman, three counts of rape to a second woman and one count of sexual assault of a third woman. He is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court this morning (Tuesday, August 5), with the hearing expected to start anytime from 10am. The hearing will take place in courtroom five.
Partey's lawyer Jenny Wiltshire has previously said her client denies all charges against him. "He now welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name. Given that there are now ongoing legal proceedings, my client is unable to comment further," the lawyer said in a statement last month.
It emerged over the weekend that Partey is close to joining La Liga side Villarreal, with the Ghana international expected to sign a two-year deal having already undergone a medical. Villarreal face Arsenal in a pre-season friendly at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday.