Joey Barton will remain in prison ahead of his trial over an alleged serious assault at a golf club. The 44-year-old former footballer was charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent following the incident near Huyton and Prescot Golf Club in March this year.
Bail refused at Liverpool Crown Court
Barton pleaded not guilty to this count the following month. He had been due to face a trial at Liverpool Crown Court beginning last week. However, appearing in the dock of courtroom 42 on his birthday on Wednesday, Barton's case was adjourned to March 8 next year. He was further remanded into custody by Judge David Potter while proceedings continue.
Defence counsel Tim Forte KC made an application for bail on Barton's behalf this afternoon, Monday. With his client appearing via video link to HMP Liverpool wearing a grey Columbia fleece and glasses during the hour-long hearing, this bid was ultimately refused.
Trial expected to last two weeks
Barton's trial is expected to last for up to two weeks, with a pre-trial review having today been scheduled for December 11. Adjourning the case, Judge Potter said: “Mr Barton, your case will next be mentioned on December the 11th. In the meantime, you are remanded in custody through to the next date.”
The ECHO previously reported that the alleged victim, Kevin Lynch, was taken to hospital in a serious but stable condition after sustaining injuries to his face and body during the altercation at around 9pm on Sunday, March 8. He was said to have been found covered in blood on Fairway, close to the entrance to the golf club, before emergency services were called to the scene.
Background of those involved
Mr Lynch previously managed Prescot Cables, Marine and City of Liverpool FC, and is also the founder and headteacher of NexGen Academy in Dovecot, a school for children with additional needs. Barton meanwhile made 269 Premier League appearances for Manchester City, Newcastle United, Queens Park Rangers and Burnley.
The midfielder, from Huyton but now of Fox Bank Close in Widnes, won a single cap for England and also turned out for Marseille and Rangers before managing Fleetwood Town and Bristol Rovers. He has since hosted the Common Sense With Joey Barton podcast, which is described as an "unfiltered" look at issues in sport, society and politics.
