Thomas Partey’s Trial Delayed Until 2026 After Pleading Not Guilty, Judge Explains Reason
- Thomas Partey’s trial has been scheduled for November next year after he entered a not-guilty plea to six charges against him
- The presiding judge explained the reasons behind the lengthy delay, which came after the midfielder appeared in court on Wednesday, September 17
- Partey will shift his focus back to the pitch, aiming to help Villarreal bounce back in La Liga following their defeat to Atletico Madrid
Ghana’s top stories, now easier to find. Discover our new search feature!
Thomas Partey will stand trial at Southwark Crown Court next year after denying six charges connected to alleged sexual offences.
The 32-year-old, who joined Villarreal after leaving Arsenal in the summer, appeared in court on Wednesday morning.
During the short hearing, he spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth, and his not guilty pleas.
Source: Getty Images
According to the Metropolitan Police, the charges include two counts of forced coupling involving one woman, three counts of non-consensual acts with a second woman, and one count of sexual assault on a third woman.
The incidents are said to have taken place between 2021 and 2022.
Judge explains why Partey's trial begins in 2026
Judge Christopher Hehir set the trial date for November 2, 2026, acknowledging the lengthy wait due to a heavy court backlog.
“Your trial will take place at this court on November 2 of next year, 2026. I appreciate that is quite a long way in advance.
"As you may appreciate the crown courts have a huge backlog of work, which means that trials do take a long time to come on. Because you have bail effectively, you are sitting behind a queue of people in prison who are waiting to be tried,” the judge explained, as quoted by Football London.
Here's a summary of the proceedings in court:
Partey remains on bail under strict conditions, which prevent him from contacting the three women involved and require him to inform police of any permanent address changes or international travel.
Partey's return to London met with fierce hostility
The midfielder’s court appearance came less than 24 hours after he featured for Villarreal in their UEFA Champions League clash with Tottenham at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Brought on in the second half, Partey was greeted with boos from the stands, and fans even broke into a chant: “Thomas Partey, we know what you are.”
Watch the video:
Despite the hostile atmosphere, he managed to stay composed, completing six of nine passes, creating a chance, and recording nine touches in just over ten minutes of play. Flashscore rated his performance at 6.2.
Now with his trial still months away, Partey can turn his attention back to football.
Source: Getty Images
Villarreal’s defeat in his first start left a bitter note in La Liga, and the Ghanaian midfielder will be eager to help the Yellow Submarine bounce back when they face Osasuna at Estadio de la Ceramica on Saturday, September 20.
Kudus and Partey share warm reunion
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that Mohammed Kudus and Thomas Partey set aside their club rivalry after their Champions League clash, sharing a warm reunion at the final whistle.
The Black Stars duo, who battled from opposite sides on the pitch, took a moment that touched fans and spread quickly across social media.
Source: YEN.com.gh
