Thomas Partey arrived at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 5 August 2025, for the first formal hearing.
What happened in court today?
He faces five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, linked to alleged incidents involving three women between 2021 and 2022.
This is a routine first appearance, not a trial.
During this stage, the court does basic things like confirming the accused’s identity and explaining charges.
Partey will likely confirmed his name, date of birth, and address. Because the charges are serious, the case must move to a higher-level court (the Crown Court).
Magistrates today can only decide on bail conditions, not guilt or innocence
Who is Thomas Partey and what are the allegations?
Partey is a 32-year-old Ghanaian former Arsenal player, charged after a three-year investigation by the Metropolitan Police and Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).
He denies all charges through his lawyer Jenny Wiltshire, who said he “welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name” and has cooperated fully with the investigation
The charges include:
- Two counts of rape relating to one complainant.
- Three counts of rape involving a second complainant.
- One count of sexual assault relating to a third complainant
What is the magistrates’ court’s role in this case?
Magistrates’ courts in Britain handle early steps in criminal cases.
They don’t decide guilt. Instead, they:
- Confirm charges and identity.
- Address whether the accused can be released on bail.
- Set conditions for bail, such as travel restrictions or living arrangements.
Because the charges are serious, the case is automatically sent to Crown Court. That court handles full trials with juries.
Today, magistrates may also set conditions allowing Partey to travel to Spain to pursue his new contract with Villarreal, depending what his legal team requests
What’s likely to happen next?
Partey may be released under conditions such as staying in the UK or limiting travel for football. The court might allow him to continue work if appropriate.
The case will be scheduled for a hearing in the higher court where evidence will be reviewed and a trial may be set. Witnesses may also provide statements, and the prosecution will likely present the case, with Partey’s defence expected to respond.
Under UK law, Partey is presumed innocent until proven guilty. Both sides will exchange documents and evidence before trial.
Today’s hearing is a procedural step, not about deciding guilt. It sets the stage for how Partey’s case continues.
Legal experts expect bail decisions to factor in his new club contract in Spain, while ensuring court appearances remain possible.