Former Arsenal and Ghana international midfielder Thomas Partey has denied multiple rape and sexual assault charges brought against him by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).

The 31-year-old is facing five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault involving three women. The alleged offences are said to have taken place between 2021 and 2022.

Partey is expected to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 5 August, following a three-year investigation by the Metropolitan Police.

In a statement released through his solicitor, Jenny Wiltshire, Partey rejected the allegations and said he is determined to clear his name.

“Thomas Partey denies all the charges against him. He has fully cooperated with the police and CPS throughout their three-year investigation. He now welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name,” Wiltshire said.

She confirmed that Partey would not make any further public statements while legal proceedings are ongoing.

The CPS confirmed the charges in a statement from Chief Crown Prosecutor Jaswant Narwal, who said prosecutors had worked closely with the Metropolitan Police and reviewed a comprehensive file of evidence.

“Criminal proceedings are now active, and the defendant has the right to a fair trial,” Narwal said. “It is absolutely vital that there is no reporting, commentary, or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”

Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy of the Metropolitan Police said the force would continue to support the women involved and urged anyone with further information to come forward.

The charges come shortly after Partey’s departure from Arsenal, where he made 130 appearances over five seasons. He joined the club in 2020 from Atlético Madrid, where he played a key role in their 2018 UEFA Europa League triumph.

Partey has also been a central figure for the Ghana national team, earning 53 caps and scoring 15 goals.

Source:TheDotNews