Joey Barton Denies Assault Allegation Outside Golf Club

Joey Barton has denied causing grievous bodily harm with intent at a Liverpool court hearing. The 43-year-old appeared by videolink from HMP Liverpool for a brief plea hearing on Tuesday.

Court appearance and pleas

Barton entered a not guilty plea to the charge concerning Kevin Lynch. The alleged incident took place at Fairway in Huyton on March 8.

His co-defendant, Gary O’Grady, 50, was not asked to enter a plea at the hearing. The short, 15-minute session covered administrative matters only.

Custody and bail

Judge Andrew Menary KC remanded Barton in custody following the hearing. O’Grady had his conditional bail renewed and attended court with family support.

The judge scheduled a trial to start on September 1. The case is listed for an estimated seven days.

Alleged incident and victim

Court papers say the defendants had been drinking with the victim at Huyton and Prescot Golf Club. Kevin Lynch, 51, was said to have suffered serious eye injuries.

Lynch is a former non-league manager and the founder of special education school NexGen Academy. The alleged assault is reported to have happened outside a golf club.

Defence position

Barton, wearing a grey zip-up fleece and glasses, denied the allegation via videolink. His legal team entered the not guilty plea on his behalf at the Crown Court.

Background on the defendants

Barton is a former professional midfielder. His clubs included Manchester City, QPR, Newcastle, Rangers, Burnley and Marseille.

He won one England cap during his playing career. He now presents the podcast Common Sense With Joey Barton, described as an unfiltered look at sport and society.

Filmogaz.com will track further developments as the case progresses through the courts.