Joey Barton Remains in Custody Ahead of March Trial
Joey Barton will spend Christmas in prison after a judge refused his bid for bail, leaving the former Premier League midfielder behind bars at HMP Liverpool until at least March.
The 44-year-old was due to stand trial at Liverpool Crown Court last week, but the case has been pushed back to March 8 next year. He is accused of causing grievous bodily harm with intent over an alleged serious assault in March.
The alleged victim, 51-year-old Kevin Lynch, was taken to hospital in a serious but stable condition, having reportedly suffered injuries to his face and ribs.
Bail bid rejected
Barton's legal team, led by defence counsel Tim Forte KC, launched a bail application during an hour-long hearing on Monday, October 7. The attempt failed.
Appearing via video link from HMP Liverpool, Barton wore a grey Columbia fleece and glasses as the court heard submissions. Judge David Potter rejected the application and confirmed the former Manchester City and Queens Park Rangers midfielder would remain in custody.
It continues a spell behind bars that began after his arrest. Barton has been held on remand ever since, according to The Mirror.
The case had previously been in courtroom 42 on Wednesday, September 2 – Barton's 44th birthday – when it was adjourned and he was further remanded. On that occasion, he appeared in the dock in person, dressed in a navy blue suit and tie with a blue shirt, his hair cut short and greying.
Judge Potter told him directly: “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.”
Trial set for March
The December hearing will serve as a pre-trial review, with the full trial expected to last up to two weeks from March 8. The delay means Barton faces around a year in custody on remand alone: roughly six months already served and another six to come before a jury hears the evidence.
Confirming the timetable, Judge Potter added: “Mr Barton, I have now fixed your trial to take place on Monday, the 8th of March. In the meantime, you are remanded in custody.”
Alleged assault after golf club visit
The court has previously been told that Lynch and Barton had been socialising at Huyton and Prescot Golf Club on March 8 before the alleged assault took place.
Lynch, a former non-league manager with City of Liverpool, Marine and Prescot Cables, was reported to have been found covered in blood on Fairway, near the entrance to the golf club.
Away from football, Lynch founded NexGen Academy in Dovecot and serves as headteacher at a school for children with additional needs.
Barton, originally from Huyton, now lives at Fox Bank Close in Widnes and most recently fronted a podcast. Instead of preparing for a return to the media spotlight, he will now prepare for a trial that could define the next chapter of his life.
