Ex-Arsenal player charged with rape appears in court

Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has appeared in court on rape and sexual assault charges.

The 32-year-old, who was charged four days after leaving the north London club when his contract expired back in June, is accused of five counts of rape against two women, and one count of sexual assault against a third woman. The alleged offences took place between 2021 and 2022, when he was an Arsenal player.

He was granted conditional bail after appearing in the dock at Westminster Magistrates' Court in central London on Tuesday. His bail conditions include that he cannot contact any of the three women and must notify police of any permanent changes of address or international travel.

His court appearance came amid reports he is set to join Spanish club Villarreal. As bail conditions were discussed in court, Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring said: "I understand he's no longer employed in this country and playing in Spain now." The case was adjourned until 2 September when Partey is due to appear at the Old Bailey.

Read more from Sky News:Girl dies after water park incidentPermission granted for UK rocket launch The Metropolitan Police said it first received reports of an allegation of rape in February 2022. Partey's lawyer Jenny Wiltshire previously said the Ghanaian "denies all the charges against him" - and looks forward to the chance to "finally clear his name".

Partey joined Arsenal from Spanish side Atletico Madrid in 2020 and became a regular for manager Mikel Arteta. An Arsenal spokesperson previously said: "The player's contract ended on 30 June.

Due to ongoing legal proceedings, the club is unable to comment on the case." Partey made 35 appearances for the Gunners last season, scoring four goals..