Former Footballer Joey Barton Remanded in Custody Over Alleged Golf Club Assault
Former professional footballer Joey Barton has been remanded in custody after appearing in court on charges related to an alleged assault near a golf club in Merseyside. The incident reportedly involved 51-year-old headteacher Kevin Lynch, who was allegedly assaulted at Huyton and Prescot Golf Club while having drinks with Barton and another man.
Court Appearance and Charges
Barton, 43, from Widnes, Cheshire, appeared alongside Gary O'Grady, 50, from Huyton, Merseyside, at Liverpool Magistrates' Court on Tuesday afternoon. Both men confirmed their names, addresses, and dates of birth during the brief hearing. They face charges of assault occasioning grievous bodily harm in connection with the alleged attack on Mr. Lynch.
Prosecutor Chelsea Kearns detailed the events leading up to the incident, explaining that on Sunday, the three men had been drinking together at the golf club while engaged in what appeared to be a heated discussion. CCTV footage reportedly shows the group moving outside, where witnesses described seeing a man being assaulted before an ambulance was called to the scene.
Victim's Condition and Legal Proceedings
Mr. Lynch is currently hospitalized in serious but stable condition, with medical concerns including the potential loss of sight in one eye. The case has been transferred to Liverpool Crown Court, where both defendants are scheduled to appear for a plea hearing on April 7.
District Judge James Hatton ordered Barton to remain in custody until that hearing, while O'Grady, who appeared in court wearing a grey tracksuit, was released on conditional bail. Neighbors near the golf club reported hearing a man groaning in pain and seeing blood on the street before emergency services arrived on Sunday.
Background on Joey Barton
Joey Barton, the former Manchester City and Queens Park Rangers midfielder, earned one cap for the England national team during his playing career. He also represented Newcastle United, Rangers, Burnley, and Marseille before transitioning to media work. Barton currently hosts the podcast Common Sense With Joey Barton, described as an unfiltered examination of issues in sport, society, and politics.
This legal development comes just one day after Barton was ordered to pay former England footballer and pundit Eni Aluko more than £300,000 in damages and legal costs. The High Court heard that Barton had agreed to pay substantial damages and cover Aluko's legal expenses after she brought libel action against him over two social media posts from 2024.
Gervase de Wilde, representing Ms. Aluko, stated that Barton's posts had falsely accused her of cynically exploiting her status as an alleged victim of racism and bullying while labeling her a hypocrite. The court confirmed the case had been stayed following the settlement agreement.
