Joey Barton to Spend Christmas in Prison After March Assault

Joey Barton, the former English midfielder who played for OM for one season (2012-2013), had his request for release denied on Monday. He will remain in prison until his trial on March 8, 2027.

Joey Barton will spend Christmas in prison. The former English midfielder appeared via video conference on Monday for a hearing to request new bail. However, the judge, David Porter, refused the request, keeping the former England international (one cap) in detention until his trial date. Barton, now 44 years old, was supposed to appear last week at the Liverpool Crown Court, accused of causing grievous bodily harm to Kevin Lynch, 51, in Fairway (Huyton) on March 8. The hearing has been postponed until March 8, 2027.

Barton Denies the Accusations

This extension of the proceedings prompted the detainee to make the bail request, which was not granted. He will therefore spend the holiday season in prison. Barton, who trained at Manchester City and played for OM for one season (2012-2013), denies the accusations in this case.

The events for which he is being prosecuted took place at Huyton and Prescot golf club. Barton allegedly consumed alcohol with Mr. Lynch, a former lower-league football coach and founder of the NexGen Academy, a specialized school. He then reportedly beat his interlocutor, severely injuring his eye. The trial, scheduled in six months, is expected to last two weeks.

The "enfant terrible" of English football, Barton ended his career in 2017 after a brief stint at Burnley. The midfielder often distinguished himself by his colorful language and great brutality, such as when he beat Ousmane Dabo, his teammate at Manchester City, during a training session in 2007. Since retiring, Barton has been known for numerous hateful and misogynistic messages on social media, which notably led to a six-month suspended prison sentence in December 2025.

English Translation:

Joey Barton, the former English midfielder who had a spell at OM during the 2012-2013 season, has had his request for release rejected. He will remain in prison until his trial, scheduled for March 8, 2027.

Joey Barton will spend Christmas in prison. The former English midfielder appeared via video conference on Monday to request a new bail hearing. However, this was denied by Judge David Porter, who has kept the former England international (one cap) in custody until his trial date. Barton, now 44 years old, was due to appear last week at Liverpool Crown Court, accused of intentionally inflicting grievous bodily harm on 51-year-old Kevin Lynch in Fairway, Huyton, on March 8. However, the hearing has been postponed to March 8, 2027.

Barton Contests the Allegations

This delay in proceedings prompted Barton to submit the bail request, which was ultimately unsuccessful. He will therefore spend the holiday season in jail. Barton, who began his career at Manchester City and played for OM for one season (2012-2013), denies the accusations in this case.

The incident for which he is being prosecuted occurred at Huyton and Prescot golf club. Barton allegedly consumed alcohol with Mr. Lynch, a former lower-league football coach and founder of the NexGen Academy. He is then accused of severely beating Mr. Lynch, causing serious injury to his eye. The trial, which is scheduled to take place in six months, is expected to last two weeks.

Known as the "enfant terrible" of English football, Barton retired from his playing career in 2017 after a final spell at Burnley. The midfielder was frequently noted for his foul-mouthed rants and aggressive behavior, exemplified by an incident in 2007 where he assaulted his Manchester City teammate Ousmane Dabo during a training session. Since his retirement, Barton has gained notoriety for numerous hateful and misogynistic posts on social media, which led to a six-month suspended prison sentence in December 2025.