Former footballer Joey Barton will remain in custody until his trial next year after a bail application was refused. The 44-year-old had been scheduled to stand trial at Liverpool Crown Court last week, accused of causing grievous bodily harm with intent to Kevin Lynch, 51, on March 8.
The case was adjourned on Wednesday and rescheduled for March of next year. Barton appeared via videolink from HMP Liverpool on Monday, where Judge David Potter denied a renewed bail application. He was remanded in custody ahead of a pre-trial hearing on December 11.
Barton's trial is set to occur exactly one year after the alleged assault. He has been in remand since shortly after the incident.
Barton is accused of attacking Mr. Lynch after they had been drinking at Huyton and Prescot Golf Club. Mr. Lynch, the founder of the special education school NexGen Academy and a former non-league football manager, reportedly suffered serious eye injuries. Barton, a former midfielder for Manchester City, QPR, Newcastle, Rangers, Burnley, and Marseille, has one England cap.