Joey Barton will remain in prison for at least six more months after his trial was adjourned until March 8 next year. The 44-year-old former Manchester City midfielder denies causing grievous bodily harm with intent following an incident near Huyton and Prescot Golf Club in Liverpool in March this year.
Trial postponed until next year
Barton entered a not guilty plea to the charge in April. He had been scheduled to stand trial at Liverpool Crown Court commencing last week, but the case was postponed. Appearing in the dock on his birthday on Wednesday, September 2, the trial was adjourned until March 8 next year.
Judge David Potter remanded Barton in custody while proceedings are ongoing. Defence counsel Tim Forte KC submitted a bail application on Barton's behalf.
Bail application refused
The former Manchester City and Newcastle United midfielder, wearing a grey zip-up fleece, appeared over videolink from Walton Prison at a hearing on Monday, September 7. The judge refused a renewed bail application. Barton nodded as the judge remanded him in custody ahead of a pre-trial hearing on December 11.
The trial will take place exactly a year after the alleged assault, meaning the defendant, who was arrested shortly after the incident, will have spent 12 months on remand.
Alleged assault details
Barton is accused of carrying out the attack on former non-league football manager Kevin Lynch after they had been drinking together at Huyton and Prescot Golf Club. Mr Lynch, who is also the founder of special education school NexGen Academy in Dovecot, was said to have suffered serious injuries to his eye.
Barton, of Widnes, Cheshire, has one England cap and also played for Queens Park Rangers, Burnley and Marseille.
