Controversial former footballer Joey Barton has been slapped with a restraining order after pleading guilty to harassing broadcaster Jeremy Vine in a disturbing social media tirade that left the presenter fearing for his safety.
The 41-year-old ex-Manchester City midfielder appeared at Wimbledon Magistrates' Court on Friday where he admitted sending communications that were "grossly offensive or of an indecent, obscene or menacing character" between December and January.
Systematic Campaign of Harassment
Barton's disturbing behaviour began after Vine, 59, discussed the former footballer's controversial comments about female football pundits on his Channel 5 show. The court heard how Barton launched what prosecutors described as a "campaign of harassment" against the veteran broadcaster.
In one particularly chilling post on X (formerly Twitter), Barton shared an edited image showing Vine's face superimposed on the body of serial killer Jimmy Savile, accompanied by threatening text that read: "Someone do us all a favour and put this c*** in the ground."
Victim Impact: "I Felt Genuinely Scared"
Vine provided a powerful victim impact statement describing how Barton's actions left him feeling "genuinely scared." The Radio 2 presenter revealed he had taken the unprecedented step of increasing security at his home and changing his routines due to genuine fear for his family's safety.
"The image of me as Jimmy Savile was the most offensive thing I have ever seen in my life," Vine stated. "I felt sick looking at it. The suggestion that someone should put me in the ground made me fear for my life."
Court's Stern Response
District Judge David M. Turner issued Barton with an 18-month restraining order that explicitly prohibits him from:
- Contacting Jeremy Vine directly or indirectly
- Making any reference to Vine on social media platforms
- Instructing or encouraging others to contact Vine on his behalf
Barton was also sentenced to 200 hours of unpaid work and must pay £2,500 in court costs, plus a £114 victim surcharge.
A Pattern of Controversy
This case represents the latest in a series of controversies for Barton, whose football career was frequently marred by disciplinary issues. Since retiring from professional football, he has cultivated an increasingly inflammatory online presence, particularly targeting female sports commentators and pundits.
The ruling sends a strong message about the legal consequences of online harassment, even for high-profile figures with substantial social media followings.
