Former Manchester City and England midfielder Joey Barton’s trial over an alleged attack on a man outside a golf club has been adjourned until March 2027, with Barton remanded in custody
Ex-Manchester City and England midfielder Joey Barton could be behind bars until next year as his trial over an alleged assault on a man outside a golf club has been postponed.
The 44-year-old refutes the charge of causing grievous bodily harm with intent to Kevin Lynch, 51, at Fairway, Huyton, on March 8. He was scheduled to stand trial this week but Judge David Potter at Liverpool Crown Court adjourned the trial to March 8, 2027, on Wednesday (September 2).
The case is anticipated to last two weeks. Barton was held in custody and is due to appear for a bail application hearing on Monday (September 7).
Barton, who turned up for the hearing on his birthday, donned a navy blue suit and tie with a blue shirt. He gave a thumbs up sign to a man in the public gallery as he exited the dock.
The alleged assault is said to have occurred after he had been socialising at Huyton and Prescot Golf Club. Lynch, a former non-league football manager and founder of special education school NexGen Academy, reportedly sustained severe injuries to his eye.
Former Man City and QPR midfielder Barton, from Widnes, Cheshire, has one England cap and also played for Newcastle, Rangers, Burnley and Marseille. Back in April, Barton pleaded not guilty.
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, the Daily Star previously reported. As Barton was held in custody, co-defendant O’Grady was granted bail.
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.
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