Former footballer Joey Barton has been found guilty of six counts of sending a grossly offensive electronic communication with intent to cause distress or anxiety. The verdict was delivered by a jury at Liverpool Crown Court on Friday.
Barton, 43, from Widnes, Cheshire, targeted female football pundits Lucy Ward and Eni Aluko in posts made on X between January and March 2024. He compared them to serial killers Fred and Rose West and superimposed their faces on a photograph of the murderers. Ward told the court she felt "physically scared" by the posts.
Barton also attacked broadcaster Jeremy Vine after Vine intervened, calling him a "bike nonce" and suggesting he might be a paedophile. He posted an image of Vine with the caption: "If you see this fella by a primary school call 999." Vine said he felt "physically unsafe" and took security advice.
In his defence, Barton claimed he was the victim of a "political prosecution" and described the posts as "crude banter" and "a bad, dark, juvenile joke." He denied intending to cause distress or anxiety.
In a statement, Aluko welcomed the verdict, saying: "Social media is a cesspit... This is a reminder that actions online do not come without consequences." Barton was cleared of six further counts and is due to be sentenced on 8 December, with bail conditions prohibiting him from mentioning the victims.
