The former footballer Joey Barton has been accused of crossing the line between free speech and criminal behaviour in his social media posts targeting female pundits, a jury at Liverpool Crown Court has heard. Barton, 43, is facing 12 counts of sending grossly offensive electronic communications with intent to cause distress or anxiety, relating to posts made on X between January and March 2024.
Prosecutor Peter Wright KC told the court that Barton, who has over two million followers on X, often made postings that were 'cutting, caustic, controversial and forthright'. He said everyone is entitled to express views that are 'offensive, shocking or personally rude' but added that Barton's posts went 'beyond the pale' and crossed the line into criminality on 12 occasions. Barton has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The jury was told about a post following an FA Cup tie in January, in which Barton referred to pundits Lucy Ward and Eni Aluko as the 'Fred and Rose West of commentary', and said Aluko was present only because of her race. He later posted an image of their faces edited onto the Wests. He also targeted broadcaster Jeremy Vine, asking if he had 'been to Epstein Island' and posting an image of Vine captioned: 'If you see this fella by a primary school call 999.'
Barton, who made over 400 career appearances for six clubs and earned one England cap, has gained notoriety for his critical views on female involvement in football. The trial continues.
