EX-England footballer Joey Barton appeared in court yesterday accused of sending offensive messages to pundit Lucy Ward and Radio 2’s Jeremy Vine.
Barton, 42, spoke only to give his name and date of birth at the 20-minute hearing at Liverpool crown court.
PAJoey Barton has appeared in court after being accused of sending offensive messages[/caption]
GettyBarton allegedly lashed out at Lucy Ward[/caption]
He is accused of sending communications of an indecent or grossly offensive nature on X/Twitter to the pair between January and March 2024, with the intention of causing distress or anxiety.
Judge Andrew Menary renewed unconditional bail for Barton, of Widnes, Cheshire, and ordered a further hearing on March 14.
The ex-Man City and Newcastle midfielder faces a separate trial in May over alleged malicious communications sent to another football pundit, Eni Aluko.
Barton started his football career with Manchester City in 2002 after going through their youth system and went on to make 150 appearances for the club.
He then moved to Newcastle United in a £5.8million transfer in July 2007 before leaving for Queens Park Rangers in August 2011.
The midfielder was then put on loan to French side Marseille during the 2012-13 season before making his way to Burnley for one season – helping promote them to the Premier League.
Barton made one appearance for England in 2007 – despite criticising some of his fellow players.
The footballer later attempted a management career with stints at Fleetwood Town and Bristol Rovers.
Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club.
PABarton is accused of sharing posts about Jeremy Vine[/caption]
PAThe former footballer spoke only to give his name and date of birth[/caption] Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
