Joey Barton pleads not responsible after former soccer supervisor ‘attacked’ at golf membership
Former footballer Joey Barton has pleaded not guilty after a man was attacked near Huyton and Prescot Golf Club.
Emergency services were called to the scene in Huyton at 9pm on Sunday, March 8. Merseyside Police officers found a man with injuries to his face and ribs, who was taken to hospital for further treatment. The alleged victim was later identified as former football manager Kevin Lynch.
Co-defendant Gary O’Grady, aged 50 and of Seel Road in Huyton, also faces the same charge as Barton. Officers arrested two men – aged 50 and 43 – on suspicion of section 18 wounding. Barton has now pleaded not guilty at Liverpool Crown Court. He’s been held in custody since March 10.
(Image: Liverpool Echo)
Barton appeared via video link from HMP Liverpool. He wore a grey Columbia tracksuit top and glasses, sporting short greying hair and a goatee.
Merseyside Police said at the time: “We can confirm that two people have been arrested following reports of an assault in Huyton on Sunday 8 March. At around 9pm, emergency services were called to Fairway to reports of a man having been assaulted near to Huyton and Prescot Golf Club.
“The victim was taken to hospital for assessment of injuries to his face and ribs. A 50-year-old man and a 43-year-old man have both been arrested on suspicion of s18 wounding.
“They are both currently in custody where they will be questioned by detectives. Enquiries are ongoing into the incident.”
(Image: PA)
Barton made 269 appearances in the Premier League, including 130 for Manchester City. Following his playing career he had a spell as manager of League One side Bristol Rovers.
Mr Lynch previously managed Prescot Cables, Marine and City of Liverpool FC, and is also the founder and headteacher of NexGen Academy in Dovecoat, a school for children with additional needs.
Barton will now face a trial, lasting seven days and beginning on September 1. O’Grady will not be arraigned today upon request from his defence counsel. O’Grady will instead face a further hearing on June 3.
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