Former footballer Joey Barton could face an additional six months in custody after his trial for an alleged assault at a golf club was postponed until March 8, 2027. Barton, who turned 44 in court on his birthday, faces a charge of assault occasioning grievous bodily harm with intent against Kevin Lynch, 51.
The incident is alleged to have occurred on March 8 at the Huyton and Prescot Golf Club in Merseyside. Barton is accused of assaulting Lynch, a father-of-two and former non-league football manager, causing serious eye injuries. The alleged attack is said to have taken place after Barton had been drinking with Mr. Lynch.
Barton has been in custody since his arrest shortly after the incident. At Liverpool Crown Court, his counsel, Tim Forte KC, applied for an adjournment to contact potential new witnesses. The prosecution, represented by Alex Leach KC, did not resist the application. Judge Potter noted "intractable problems" preventing the trial from starting as scheduled and set the new date for the first anniversary of the incident.
Barton, who was remanded back into custody, made a thumbs-up gesture to someone in the public gallery as he left the dock. He was dressed in a blue suit, light blue shirt, and dark blue tie. An application for bail is scheduled to be heard by Judge Potter on Monday.
Mr. Lynch is the founder of the special education school NexGen Academy. Barton, a former midfielder for Manchester City, QPR, Newcastle, Rangers, Burnley, and Marseille, also had a career as a manager for Fleetwood Town and Bristol Rovers. He has one England cap.
