Eni Aluko Celebrates Legal Victory Over Joey Barton's Libellous Posts
Former England forward and sports pundit Eni Aluko has expressed profound relief and happiness after winning her High Court libel case against Joey Barton. The court has ordered Barton to pay a total of £339,000 in damages and legal costs to Aluko, marking a significant conclusion to a two-year legal battle.
Court Orders Substantial Payment and Halts Proceedings
On Tuesday, the High Court heard that the case had been stayed, effectively halting proceedings after Barton agreed to pay 'substantial' damages and cover Aluko's legal expenses. It is reported that Barton must pay the first £100,000 plus interest by March 24, with the remaining balance due subsequently.
Aluko initiated legal action over two posts Barton made on X in 2024, which falsely accused her of cynically exploiting her status as an alleged victim of racism and bullying and labelled her a hypocrite. Following the judgement, Aluko posted a celebratory video on social media showing her giving a thumbs up outside the Royal Courts of Justice, overlaid with the text: 'We reached the finish line'.
Aluko's Emotional Response and Gratitude
The 39-year-old accompanied the video with a heartfelt caption, thanking her supporters and legal team. 'It's been a two year marathon but we reached the finish line today,' she wrote. Aluko expressed gratitude to her legal representatives, including Judith Thompson of Samuels Solicitors, Luke Browne of 5RB, and lead Counsel Gervase de Wilde, as well as her family and friends.
Aluko emphasised the emotional toll of the case, stating before her social media post: 'I'm glad it's the end.' Her legal team highlighted that Barton's campaign caused her enormous distress, particularly as he criticised her attempts to defend herself against his conduct and that of his followers.
Details of Barton's Harassment Campaign Revealed
Gervase de Wilde, representing Aluko, detailed in court that between January and August 2024, Barton published 48 posts relating to Aluko on his X account. He described this as a 'deliberately targeted public campaign of vilification' that attacked multiple aspects of her life and personality.
One particularly disturbing post included an image of Aluko's head superimposed onto the body of serial killer Rosemary West. De Wilde noted that Aluko was worried Barton would exploit and manipulate any efforts she made to stop the harassment, using them against her. Barton has since accepted that his campaign amounted to harassment and that he should not have made the publications.
Barton's Absence and Additional Legal Troubles
Barton, who has managed Fleetwood Town and Bristol Rovers, did not attend the hearing. De Wilde informed the court that Barton 'was arrested yesterday and is currently being held in custody.' This relates to separate charges following an alleged assault at a golf club in Huyton, Merseyside, on Sunday night.
Merseyside Police confirmed that Barton, 43, and Gary O'Grady, 50, have been charged with Section 18 wounding with intent. Emergency services were called to the scene near Huyton and Prescot Golf Club after reports of an assault, where one man was taken to hospital with serious injuries to his face and ribs. The alleged victim was found covered in blood, and there are suggestions a weapon was involved.
Both men remain in custody and are scheduled to appear at Wirral Magistrates Court. Justice Nicholas Lavender granted Barton seven days to request changes to the order in the libel case, but the judgement stands as a decisive victory for Aluko in her fight against online abuse.
