Former footballer Joey Barton will remain in custody until his trial next year after a bail application was refused. Barton, 44, had been due to stand trial at Liverpool Crown Court last week, accused of causing grievous bodily harm with intent to Kevin Lynch, 51, at Fairway, Huyton, on March 8. The case was adjourned on Wednesday and rescheduled for March 2027.
Appearing via videolink from HMP Liverpool on Monday, Barton's renewed bail application was refused by Judge David Potter. He was remanded in custody ahead of a pre-trial hearing scheduled for December 11. His trial will now take place exactly one year after the alleged incident, meaning Barton will have spent 12 months on remand by the time proceedings begin.
The prosecution alleges that Barton attacked Mr. Lynch after they had been drinking at Huyton and Prescot Golf Club. Mr. Lynch, identified as a former non-league football manager and founder of the special education school NexGen Academy, reportedly suffered serious eye injuries. Barton, a former midfielder for Manchester City, Queens Park Rangers, Newcastle, Rangers, Burnley, and Marseille, and who has one England cap, was arrested shortly after the alleged assault.