Joey Barton is fighting the charges. The former Premier League midfielder appeared at Liverpool Crown Court via video link from prison on Tuesday, entering a not guilty plea to wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
Barton, 43, and co-defendant Gary O'Grady, 50, were charged following an assault at Huyton and Prescot Golf Club in Merseyside on March 8. The victim has since been identified as Kevin Lynch, a former non-league football manager. O'Grady appeared in court but did not enter a plea.
Still behind bars
Barton wasn't in the courtroom. He was denied bail at an earlier magistrates hearing and attended Tuesday's plea and trial preparation hearing via video link from Liverpool prison — a detail that underlines how seriously the courts are treating this case.
The charge of wounding with intent sits near the top of the scale for assault offences under English law. It carries a potential life sentence on conviction. This isn't a minor altercation that gets resolved with a fine and community service.
Barton's career has never been far from controversy — on the pitch, on the touchline, and off it. His managerial stint at Fleetwood Town ended in dismissal. His punditry work came and went. Whatever comes next professionally has been put on hold indefinitely while this plays out in court.
The next step is a full trial, with Tuesday's hearing serving only as preparation. Until then, Barton remains in custody — and his not guilty plea sets up what could be a lengthy legal process ahead.
