Ex-footballer Barton denies attack at golf club
Charges and court appearance
Joey Barton, a former professional footballer, has rejected claims of assaulting a man at a golf club in Merseyside. The 43-year-old, based in Widnes, appeared via video link at Liverpool Crown Court from Liverpool Prison during a plea and trial preparation session. His co-accused, Gary O’Grady, aged 50, stands alongside him charged with causing grievous bodily harm (GBH) to Kevin Lynch, a 51-year-old former non-league football manager, at Huyton and Prescot Golf Club on 8 March.
Details of the incident
The case involves an alleged confrontation at the golf club where the defendants were consuming alcohol with Lynch prior to the incident. Lynch, who also founded NexGen Academy, a special education institution, is reported to have sustained severe eye injuries during the attack. O’Grady did not enter a plea during the hearing, while Barton’s trial is set to begin on 1 September and is expected to last seven days.
Career highlights
Barton, a midfielder, played for several clubs including Manchester City, Newcastle United, QPR, Rangers, Burnley, and Marseille during his playing career. He also had a managerial role at Fleetwood Town. The trial will assess whether he intended to cause serious harm to Lynch during the altercation.
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“Kevin Lynch suffered significant injuries to his eye as a result of the alleged attack,” stated court records.
